On the Chart

“Almost forgot,” my daughter said, “somebody named Teller called. His number’s on the tablet by the kitchen phone.”

I had known Teller for years. Teller’s brother had been a smart kid with a bright future who overdosed on heroin, Valium, and alcohol. These weren’t his drugs of choice. Like a lot of people I had thought that combination was no accident.   

Teller was having shoulder surgery.  He was worried about developing an addiction to painkillers. “Ken,” he said, “I just want to sail through it, see what happens.  I called to ask if you had any advice.”

I told him people can sail aimlessly through open water.  When they have to navigate rough seas, through the rocks, they need the chart. 

“Here’s the chart for those waters.  Try not to need any painkillers by doing everything they tell you. Ice, stretching, heat, physical therapy, chiropractic, whatever – do it. Most people don’t because it’s so much easier to take a pill.  If you need something for the pain, try non-addictive medications first.  Have realistic expectations. Advil will dull the pain, but you’re not likely to go to your happy place. Manage don’t banish the pain. If you need to take something stronger, be very careful.  Take what you need, but only as long as you absolutely need it.  Take stock of why you’re using a medication.  Are you treating something or treating yourself to something? Re-evaluate your need for the medication.”

We talked about keeping as busy as the pain would allow, using just one pharmacy, making sure everybody with a prescription pad knew what everybody else was prescribing him, and having somebody he trusted hold any addictive medications he might take. 

“We’re talking about painkillers,” I said, “but I think in general the rougher the waters the more detailed a map you need.  If you’re going through a divorce, or somebody you love is dying, you need a plan for getting through it. Live one day at a time, but know where the rocks are on any given day.”

Today I will remember, the rougher the seas, the more detailed a chart I’ll need.

Life on Life’s Terms II © 2015 by Ken Montrose

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The ebook version of Meditations for the First Thirty Days: How not to become roadkill on the highway to recovery is available free of charge at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S.