Jeramie Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 I’m absolutely flabbergasted! In April or 2004 I was rear ended by a large ¾ ton van. I was given pretty heavy prescriptions for the pain, namely Loratab (I was sitting still, he was doing 45). I was also taking 800mg Ibuprophren. I took the loratab for about 3-days. I hated the way I felt so I quit taking it (I rarely take medicine). I was left with a fairly large bottle. The truth be known I should have tossed them long ago but we just now have a baby and kids rarely have access to the med cabinet so I didn’t). Last October my wife had a Cesarean and again, she was given pretty heavy meds including 800mg ibuprophren and loratab. She continued to take the ibuprophren but skipped the loratab because she was breast feeding. She took the painkiller for about a week. We got her prescription refilled, just incase. There is another pretty much full bottle. About a week ago my wife asked if I had been taking loratab. I looked at her as if she was nuts! I explained that on occasion I had taken the iburpophren (I suffer from Migraines) but she knew better, I would never take a painkiller. She said, “Why is there only 4-left in the bottle then?” Jokingly I said, “Maybe it is X taking them .” (for reference, X is a friend of mines wife. Obviously that isn’t her name but you understand). But I was actually joking. “X” is a good Christian-friend of mine’s wife. They have been married just over a year. They got pregnant right after they got married because they were both in their late 30’s and neither had kids. They now have a 2-month old. X is a very quiet, very shy, pretty lady! This is so out of character and I wouldn’t have imagined this in a million years if it hadn’t been for the past 2-weeks events. They came over about 2-weeks ago on a Saturday that my wife had to work. They visited for a minute and My buddies wife excused herself to the bathroom. She came out and said, “I don’t know what it is but I have to use the bathroom every time I come over!” It was an odd comment so I laughed it off and we went on. It wasn’t until several days later that my wife noticed that there were only 4-pills in her bottle. We hadn’t even noticed mine. Several days after my wife made the discovery I was looking for Claritin D when I found my bottle of Loratab. It was far less then half empty and I knew I had quit taking them shortly after the wreck. There shouldn’t have been more then about 4-5 pills missing. Still I wrote it off. In times such as having a new baby or after a wreck, keeping up with meds is the last thing on your mind. Perhaps we were jumping ahead of ourselves. Last Wednesday at church my buddy approached me about heading to a gun show and our wives going shopping on Saturday (this past Saturday). We agreed. I worked at the church until about 11:00 and headed the mile and a half home to get cleaned up for the gun show. Our friends were already there. I noticed immediately that the door to the bathroom was shut. She is the only one that closes the bathroom door after she’s done. I still didn’t put 2+2 together. We of course went to Tulsa for the day and came back. They started their truck to let it warm up before leaving (baby). They came in to warm up and wait. Of course she had to use the bathroom again…… My wife is home throwing up today and just after lunch she called me and said. “Are you sure you’re not taking Loratabs and just not telling me?” She let up when she realized I was about to choke her. I said “Why.” “Remember how many I counted the other day?” “Yep, four.” “There are now two!” “You think that’s odd, look at the bottle from my wreck!” She about had a kitten. She knows how I feel when I take meds and she knows I didn’t even take ¼ of the bottle and there is only a few left! Now I’m just speechless. No one else has been over… No one, for sure from the 3-4 days from when we counted 4-loratabs! I’m just a total loss……. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WHISKEYSWAMP Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... Put a note on the bottle telling friend X that you know she is taking the pills and see her reaction when she comes out of the bathroom... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... You never really know people until they are put in a situation where things can happen like this. Sounds like the "friend" is not such a good friend after all. Jeramie, I was rearended by a car in 99. They were going 65+ and I was at a dead stop. Anyway they put me on Soma and Loritab. The kid that was in the truck with me was a good friend. I caught him a week later. He had emptied my pill bottle in his pocket. Needless to say we no longer communicate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2hunt Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... Jeramie, it's hard to beleive that people would do something like that but unfortunately it's true. I have a friend who's wife is now in jail because of her addiction to pain meds - exactly same deal, every time she went to a persons house she had to use the bathroom and after a while people started figuring out why. I don't know what kind of advice to give concerning it but it miht be something you want to mention to her husband. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SRA Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... yep......sounds bad.... there was a woman doing that around here....she would find out people that had surgeries and acted like she wanted to visit them, then go rummage thru their bathrooms...... can't imagine...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SRA Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... [ QUOTE ] Put a note on the bottle telling friend X that you know she is taking the pills and see her reaction when she comes out of the bathroom... [/ QUOTE ] actually.....that is a great idea! it will stop her in her tracks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
preacherman Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... [ QUOTE ] Put a note on the bottle telling friend X that you know she is taking the pills and see her reaction when she comes out of the bathroom... [/ QUOTE ] never thought of anything like this........but that would indeed be a great idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuntingInMaine Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... Can you talk to X's husband? This woman needs help ASAP!!! In the last few years I've watched two dear friends of mine spiral out of control because they abused prescription drugs. The first woman was in a bad car accident and started taking pain medicine because of several back surgeries. I guess a combination of depression and increasing pain made her think cocaine and crack would deal better with the pain then what the doctor was giving her. She is going to jail soon for the latest car wreck she caused after picking up some drugs. My other friend started out with the pain meds because of dental surgery that went wrong. She's currently in jail for committing numerous counts of credit card fraud and a whole laundry list of other things. Four years ago these were some of the nicest women you could ever meet. They were loving mothers, caring wives, and the best friends you could ever ask for. Today they are just a shell of the person they once were. They both started out on legal medicine, prescribed by their doctors and now they'd sell a family member to get that high. The sooner X gets help, the easier it will be for her and her family. Even if her husband doesn't believe you now, just telling him about it will keep that thought in the back of his head and hopefully she'll get the help she needs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... It's hard to beleive what some "friends" will do. You need to talk to her husband, let him know what is going on. Stop her now before it get's to far out of control. He may hate you at first, but he may thank you also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2hunt Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... [ QUOTE ] It's hard to beleive what some "friends" will do. You need to talk to her husband, let him know what is going on. Stop her now before it get's to far out of control. He may hate you at first, but he may thank you also. [/ QUOTE ] Also keep in mind that he might already partially know, just not realize how far it is going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... That is absolutely bizarre. I had a worker (garage door repair) bring his wife who we didn't even know and she was rummaging through our drawers in the bathroom under the guise of changing her child. My wife heard her and started in the bathroom after she vacated when the lady told her "sorry, my son was opening and closing your drawers". My wife took her word until she saw a prescription my wife had in the windowsill and ASKED IF SHE COULD HAVE THEM. My wife said hael no and the lady kept trying to get my wife to go into the garage to get some cards while she sat at the kitchen table (said she wasn't feeling well). I had no idea this was going on while the worker and I were outside. I would have excused myself, got my gun, and called the police had I known about it. That is a nightmare situation where the man claws me in the head with a hammer while I am not looking and kills my family. I can tell you first hand about prescription pain killer addiction. My sister is an addict to virtually every single pain killer, pehnagrin for nausea, nose sprays, etc. She lost her kids, lost three husbands, lost countless jobs, wrecked countless cars, had countless surgeries to either fix side effects of the meds or simply to get more post-surgery pain killers, she now has a pacemaker, she has been to every doctor in the upper half of the State, she has been arrested for forging prescriptions twice, she is on every watch list for every pharmacy known to man, and she is pretty much useless sleeping pretty much all day. Few people take a pill and think, 'Hum, I believe I will become addicted". There is something in our makeups that cause this almost instant addiction because I have seen it take over people's lives in what seems like an instant. I had shoulder surgery and while I have had no problems with pain killers I tend to suffer so that I won't. But right after the surgery, I gave them to my wife and made sure she dispensed them accordingly. I gotta tell you, there is nothing better than a Percocet nap. You have no worries, no problems, just calm peaceful sleep. I would invite this woman over with her husband and CONFRONT her. You could save some kid's life because she is taking them and driving, I am sure. It is like roaches. If you see one, there are tons. If she is stealing them from friends, she has an enormous problem and who knows how bad off she is and what she is doing to get her fix. You might save some innocent family on the road or you might save her life from and OD. Don't look back a few months from now and think "if only.....". They may get mad but when confronted with the truth, but it will help and maybe she will thank you for it someday. You must confront her about this as it is what you SHOULD do. You don't have to be angry about it, just approach it from a caring perspective. She may break down on you and be ready for some help. New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... I feel for you Buddy. Hard to get over a "friend" doing that to someone. If it isint 2 things I hate, drugies and thieves. That would be the last time she stepped foot in my house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohiobucks Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... You have to confront her. The first steps to solving the problem is admission of a problem. Don't let it go unnoticed anymore, if it is her, she has a real problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... Here is the plan folks. I want to catch her red handed. My mom has bad, bad knees and just had knee surgery again. She just refilled a large bottle. I was also recently told I have a torn rotator cuff. My wife works at a vet clinic and can print labels... Putting all this together? We are going to count out 15 tab, make a label with my name and film all of this going down. We are then going to rig the medicine cabinet door (with scotch tape) and wait for them to come over. After they leave, get back out the camera and film the counting of the pills. Once its all said and done im having my buddy stop by one day after work for a little tv time. I want some hard core proof...... He waited for years for a wife when she cam around it changed his whole life. This will really hurt him and I dont want a simple accusation. This whole deal just makes me sick...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... Set up a camera out of sight so you have no question of wether she did or didn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... Jeramie, You already have enough proof, IMHO. You knew how many were there before her bathroom trip and how many afterwords. If you get too sneaky, she might see the camera/tape and not take any. Then you are going to lose your opportunity to help her....that is the focus here. She probably isn't a bad person just a junkie. The longer you wait from the last visit, the less believable it is going to be. Especially given the circumstances, you need to confront her. If you start with "Kelly, you know that Ms. Jeramie and I love you but it has come to our attention that you have been stealing pain pills from us. We care about you and want you to get help". Be ready for the excuse book and lies lies lies and possibly even for buddy to get mad at you. He is probably snowed by her too. Good luck, PM me if you need more info. New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... The note in the bottle sounds like a great idea and the next time she goes to the bathroom, you can look her straight in the eye and get your answer when she comes out. Sad situation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WHISKEYSWAMP Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... If you want to be less discrete about it just put a note on the bottle that says HI FRIEND X and I'm sure she will get the point... If she's not going into the cabinet then you have nothing to worry about as far as your friendship. You could also put one of those magnetic alarms on the cabinet door... that'll scare the crap out of her and you will definately know she is getting in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... I am sorry, but the note on the bottle might dissuade her from taking yours but it will not stop her. If you simply want your pills to stop disappearing, the note will work. If you want to help a friend--even if it means losing her and him for a while--you need to confront her and try to help her. Also note that she may get very very mad and if you have used a camera, she might just say that you taped her going tee-tee and try to call the police on you. I am telling you that these people sometimes get insane in their retribution. My sister once called the IRS and told them that her ex-husband was cheating on his taxes WHILE STILL MARRIED TO HIM because he threatened to turn her into the police for stealing RX pads from the doctor's office. New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2hunt Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... I argree with Newarcher. The note in the bottle doesn't do anything to help her with her problem and don't think for a minute once she knows that you know that the friendship is going to stay in place - it will just make it worse for everyone, including you. As for the video you can get yourself in alot of trouble by vidoeing someone without their knowledge in a "private" area like a bathroom. You need to talk to her husband and let him know your concerns, if you want to "catch her in the act" it would be a good idea to have his approval of it before trying anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... The husband needs to know about this. My best man got hooked on pain med about 6 years ago. He hid it very well untill it started to show physically on him. He finally went to rehab this passed Thanksgiving. Her baby may not be safe with her. I would definately make sure he knows. Her life and the babies life is a lot more important than your friendship. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... so far, i see some great advice. confront her with her problem, in front of her husband. person to person. a camera in the bathroom may not be your best idea. i see a lawsuit in the making. but, if you were to get away with it, it is your best evidence. the note in the pill box is not a good idea overall. it stops your problem, but will not help others, or your friend. be her friend, and help her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... [ QUOTE ] Put a note on the bottle telling friend X that you know she is taking the pills and see her reaction when she comes out of the bathroom... [/ QUOTE ] Exactly...because if she isn't the one, she won't be offended. I would set the bottle so that you check it before and when she comes out of the bathroom. If it is changed, then speak to her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 8, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... [ QUOTE ] Also note that she may get very very mad and if you have used a camera, she might just say that you taped her going tee-tee and try to call the police on you.New [/ QUOTE ] Whoa! I didnt mean running it while she was in the bathroom! I meant running the camera while we set up the new pill bottle, showing exactly how many pills, etc. I also have a long drive (over 600') so I could film them comming up the drive to prove this isnt made up. Stash the camera before they get out and as they are leaving turn it back on... Take a trip to the bano, count the pills and bam...... To me there could be no argument. I will approach my buddy first. Ill have him come by after work and pop in the tape. Honestly folks, I could care less about the pills. I should have flushed them long ago. Im not sure how everyone thinks of me but the honest truth is I would give anyone anything I had if they truly needed it. I hate the through of my friends new wife being hooked and most of all I hate the though of anyone taking my stuff because they can. I have no use for a thief. I understand she has problems but wow.... I care much more for her husband and his concerns about this. This guy looked forward to marriage for YEARS and bam she walked into his life. He thinks she hung the moon most of the time and something like this will kill him but I cant let it die behind his back. That would be totally wrong of me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 8, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: I\'m at a total loss....... Lol, gang I just read more replies... Honestly I never planned on stashing the thing in the bathroom... Im pretty retarted sometimes but whoa..... Sorry for the confusion! Re-read this, it was just a little confusing... [ QUOTE ] We are going to count out 15 tab, make a label with my name and film all of this going down. We are then going to rig the medicine cabinet door (with scotch tape) and wait for them to come over. After they leave, get back out the camera and film the counting of the pills. Once its all said and done im having my buddy stop by one day after work for a little tv time. [\quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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