Doctor prescribed two pain meds, giving me a choice of which to take. First day home after 1 night in hospital, I took the oxycodon since pain was high. Strong stuff so no more of that on other days. Decided the hydrocodone would be better for me. Directions are "1 every 4 hours as needed." I've been taking it about every 6 hours and managing very well. A couple of times, after more active time, took 1 in 5 hours.
Doctor have me script for more, but insurance didn't kick in before I was out of pills, so took half off oxy 2 times. Not good for me even at that amount. Loose bowel movement which I didn't experience any other day. Fortunately I now have the refill.
My question is...
How have other people dealt with taking pain pills?
A friend of mine who had a different surgery said he made "mistake" of not keeping ahead of the pain.
Yes, keep ahead of the pain. But also take stool softeners. You don’t want to get constipated. When ready to cut back, do it slowly. I stopped “cold turkey”. Felt crummy for a week.
I took Miralax first week, but stopped it. No problem since then other than the oxy side effect.
Thanks for the comment.
Don't do it. I had one mild painkiller on day one after sugery, but otherwise just rode it out. It was fine and not too painful that I could not bear it.
There are so many stories now about people becoming addicted to painkillers...
At only about three weeks out, I am sure you need the pain meds. I was taking Tramadol 50 mg after OxyContin for a week. The Tramadol has less of an addictive potential. At three weeks I was taking three a day. I would equate them to the Hydrocodone 5mg. Anyway, I quickly dc’d my noon dose and was on two till I had an infection and went back to three for a couple of days. A week later I was taking one at night and at week 6, only ibuprofen. I rarely take that now. As a Psychologist for years I had many clients strung out on opiates. No, combine that with my being an old hippie and a one time penchant for opioids recreationally, I have a rational fear of them. Even though not reality based, I fear dependence. Your effort to wean off quickly is to be commended but don’t suffer in the meantime. Everyone is different.
Hubby had a total hip replacement in 2016 first 2 weeks I have him pain Med every 4 hours. He hated them so ask doctor to give something different Tramadol it seemed to work much better for him. He did another total hip replacement in 2017 and only took Tramadol wouldn’t take anything else. It seemed to work better for him. Good luck, your in for a long recovery, take care of yourself and don’t push it , it can take up to a year for full recovery.
We are all different and need different pain control. Take what you need as often as you need it, provided that you do not exceed the maximum dosage. Your use of one tablet every 6 hours, or 5 when needed, is a good example. Normally you are reminded of the need for pain control by the discomfort returning, no twinges , no need.
I was prescribed co comadol, but one day realised I had forgotten to take them, did not need them much at all after that
None of the strong painkillers agreed with me so managing with just. Paracetamol .
Thanks for the reply.
Fortunately I haven't had take meds that often.
I'll ask about Tramadol.
I take the pain pill.
Stopped Miralax which is OTC for constipation.
Hi Diann , your only in at 3 weeks in my hubby had to take meds for 3 months. Believe he ha good days and bad. But he seems to be better when he did his excerises. So get up and walk, and do your PT. Ice ice ice. It’s worked the best for him, and rest rest rest!!!! Your body went though a lot, it takes a year for full recovery! Do what you can , when you can do it! It’s your body it will let you know. And eat well. I spoiled my hubby we are in sense 2016 with 2 back to back hip replacements. I’m doing everything so he can recover. Feel no guilt about getting better. It takes time. And when your about 21/2 to 3 months in start massaging where they cut you. If you have to go to PT tell them that. Lots of love Yuki.
I have had nothing but trouble with narcotics. This time I cut the dose in half and that was ok but I still had a lot of trouble. Finally I cut the pill into quarters and supplemented what Tylenol. It worked. Happily I am 17 days out and today I have not needed any Tylenol at all. The pain just after the surgery is freaking horrible but it goes away relatively quickly.
Good luck!