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Head injury on opiates-- HELP

A

arthunter888

Bluelighter
Joined
May 23, 2009
Messages
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PLEASE HELP. I had have doing opiates quite frequently last night well into this morning (many lines--with breaks-- of oxycodone and oxymorphone (opana). I was feeling pretty good, nodding easily, and I think I sort of "topped out" and maintained a plateau after a certain point.

However, about 15 minutes after a final line of oxymorphone, when I left my house this morning I slipped on some ice walking down my porch steps. I didn't see it coming at all, and immediately fell backwards and smacked the back of my head. There were about 5 steps, but I think I slipped before descending any of them, and sort of slid down after/while I smacked my head on a stone step (not sure if corner or flat part). I bounced up automatically and kept walking without losing consciousness (though dizzy at first).

I can't tell if I have a concussion, because the opiates are preventing pain from it (I had an initial burst of pain at head-contact though, didn't linger, only a subtle throb-of-pain every few minutes now though), and also the pupil constriction test (with a flashlight) might not be accurate because of initial opiate pupil-constriction. I don't feel nausea (although having smoked quality cannabis may hide this), there is no obvious bump, no blood.

What should I do? I can't go to the hospital (no insurance AND I cannot let my parents find out at any cost b/c of drugs involved). Any signs I should look out for? Should I stay awake for 24hrs (heard this about concussion, or coma may occur?)? Will the active opiates help or hurt my situation (e.g. reduce brain swelling, or the opposite) as I am still high on them as I finish this post? Sorry for the length of post. Please any advice is greatly needed asap.
 
The fact that you didn't lose consciousness and you're able to type a coherent post mean you probably don't have a serious brain injury.

A few questions...
How long ago did this happen?
How old are you?
Have you ever had a concussion before?

Staying awake won't prevent you from slipping into a coma, however since no one else knows what happened I wouldn't recommend taking a nap. There's no one to check on you to see if your o.k.

If you believe you may have a concussion you'll need to bite the bullet and go to the E.R. From what you've described it's unlikely that you would have anything more than a mild concussion, but we can't tell you for sure. It is possible to have a slow bleed that causes symptoms hours or even a day after the injury. If you're not going to go to hospital, get a friend you trust, explain the situation to them and ask them stay with you for the day.
 
I went to the ER for a suspected concussion (delayed vertigo and head pain that kicked in the next day) and wasn't even asked about drug use, let alone tested. If you've got cold weather where you are, it's reasonable enough to say that you slipped on an icy patch and hit your head, if you want a suspicion-free way to get checked out. Also, if you're in the states you can get what's called "charity care" for ER treatment if you are uninsured and have no/low income-- I assume that since you said you live with your parents that you meet that criteria. The ER can't turn you away without confirming that you are stable, and if you tell them you can't pay that doesn't change anything.
 
Ok, it has now been more than 2 days since the fall. I have sort of a constant headache, and pain in my right shoulder blade, and also a sore neck. I'm not sure if these symptoms are from the fall or from withdrawal. I've had similar pains with withdrawal before, so I'm leaning towards that.
 
you havent been to the doctor yet??

whats wrong with you man? see the doctor and explain everything.
he wont judge you or care that you took illegal drugs, and none of your info will be passed on to cops.

the quicker you go, the quicker you can find out if your ok.

on the flipside to that is the longer you wait, the more irreversible the damage will be if you do have a head injury.


being an ex skateboarder i can tell you this-

the doctor is your best friend in situations like this, and the majority of times shit happened to me, i was wasted.
so tell him about the opiates (i wouldnt say you were snorting them though lol) as the more
info you give him the better he can help you.



good luck and wish you the best.
 
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