Where do I start? With honesty, it's the only way you will understand my journey and how Bobby Buonauro's Clinic and the staff were a lifesaver. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2010. I tried every medication out there that supposedly helped with fibromyalgia pain. After two years of seeing a few different specialists and trying numerous drugs, including herbal, CBD, and THC, I was at the end of my rope, and all the doctors decided that pain management with norcos was my last option.
My first prescription for norcos was two 10/325 pills a day, and wow, that rush you feel I was in heaven. That warm, lightweight feeling was magical, but after a few months, that feeling went away, and after telling my doctors that the two pills weren't working anymore and the pain was so intense, they increased the number of pills I was allowed to have per day. So I knew what I needed to say to the doctors so they would increase my dose; I was chasing that high feeling. They kept increasing my daily limit until I was at eight 10/325 pills a day, 240 tablets a month. At that point, the doctors said I was at the maximum allowed amount per day, and they would not be able to increase my dosage anymore.
My drug addiction took a turn for the worst; I would go through my 240 pills within two weeks, and I needed to do something for the next two weeks until my next refill, so I started buying norcos off the streets from a family friend. I did that for a couple of years, and it took a toll on my family and our bills.
Then one day, my 21-year-old son heard me ask a neighbor if he could find me any norcos. This neighbor has been in and out of jail for selling drugs but not for opiates. Anyway, this person said he knew someone that sold norcos, but he did say the rumor was his stuff container fentanyl. I was so naive and desperate for some pills that I said I didn't care. Once the guy left, my son went crazy on me. He has never raised his voice to me, nor does he swear in my presents, and he didn't hold back. He even called my husband, his father, at work and told him everything. After hours of getting lectured and an evening of mixed emotions from all of us, anger, sadness, etc. I knew I needed help, but I was damned if I would go into inpatient therapy.
That evening I googled methadone clinics and found The Bobby Buonauro's Clinic in Evanston. I filled in the online form, and the next day I received a call from Melanie. OMG, Melanie was fantastic! We talked for over an hour. I told her I was terrified to come in and was scared to get off the norcos. I wasn't sure what to expect. She told me about the clinic and the steps in treatment and told me I'm not alone and they are not here to judge anyone. Her voice was so soothing and reassuring. My first appointment was on October 22nd, 2021, two days after speaking with her on the phone.
Intake day! I arrived around 8:00 am. I filled out some paperwork, did my first drop (urine test), met with my counselor for about 45 minutes, met with the doctor for about 20 minutes, then I was dosed. It was so simple, and they made me feel so comfortable.
Bobby Buonauro's Clinic was my lifesaver, and everyone was so wonderful and friendly. Every time I go in, I'm greeted with a smile and a hello. I just celebrated my seventh month clean, and I couldn't be any prouder of myself. I feel like a different person, calmer and more focused. I couldn't have done this without Bobby's Clinic and the entire staff.
Lastly, if all that hasn't convinced you this place is for you, put it this way, I live 45 minutes away from the clinic in Lake County, IL. There is a methadone clinic 15 minutes from my house in Gurnee, and even with the outrageous gas prices, I wouldn't change my mind or choose to switch locations. Bobby Buonauro's Clinic is my forever home! read more