Expert: Crystal - 12/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: a couple days ago i used morphine in the same vein i always do, but now it is red,swollen and there is a knot around the injection site.And my arm is very hard.What could be the problem?Is this an infection,or will it go away in a few days?HELP! I AM SCARED

ANSWER: Cody,

You NEED to go to the Doctor or an emergency room to have that site checked out. Yes, it is most likely infected and it may have an abcess, not to mention you probably collapsed the veins. Don't wait, go to the doctor. Call someone you trust to go with you so you aren't alone and seek some counseling outside of this to help you stop. You are playing a VERY dangerous game with your life and you can't win. You need to get off the morphine and all narcotics for that matter because long term damage occurs in the organs and can cause Hep C.
Keep in touch.
Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: O.k. i just took the survey then read where it said don'nt post question here. I am very sorry. so let me retell and reask.My husband does not know what I've been doing, not even my best friend. I had gestational diabetes when iwas pregnat and gained almost 100 lbs. So i had my own supply for syringes.My baby is 17 months so i have been doing this for about 6-7 months. I am scared to tell him or ANYONE for that matter.Will the police be involved?Looking at me i look like a normal wife and Mom, I have been stealing the morphine out of my Dad's bathroom cabinet[he has been ailing from cancer]Is there a privacy act where my Dr. can not release this info to authorities or family? And my last final question, but also the most imortant to me, what exactly might i have for me to see the Dr. right away?

Answer
You can go to a doctor to have it looked at so that you are ok. As far as the police, where do you live? I don't know the laws in all the states but I know they will suggest treatment so you can get detoxed safely. It is not as bad as it seems, you just need to ask for the help, that is what they are there for. They want to help you. Telling your husband and your best friend would be the first step second step to admitting the problem since you already took the first by coming to me. You can do this, your baby needs you and you need to be healthy. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.