i am 5 weeks post op and am still on codydramol and Naproxen 2 x a day. If I reduce further I am in pain and nights are bad.
I have eave been on painkillers for ages and so want to reduce but know I need to keep mobile. Just wondered when others could ditch to painkillers x
Whi Pauline. I was given paracetemol and ibuprofen by hospital and also a bottle of liquid morphine. I used what I was given for tye first few weeks and now only take paracetemol or ibuprofen if I am in a bit of discomfort.
it will be 7 weeks tomorrow since my THR and everything has settled down.
I think it is a case of listening to what your body is saying. If in pain, then take painkillers. If in doubt, refer to your GP or the hospital.
I have Naproxen as well, had them before op for pain, but hardly took them - preferred ibuprofen (though same family).
How are you getting on though, apart from the pain? It will get better. 😊
Hi Pauline think it depends on your pain threshold. There is no point in being in pain and feeling miserable as you will not increase your mobility. I stopped mine on week 4 but there are still some days at week 10 when unexplained aches and pains present themselves. Yesterday I did some kneeling with my camera and today body is complaining so will need some paracetamol before taking a walk. I do not take anything stronger and maybe the reduction in strength is a good starting point rather than ditching
Hope you get some relief xx
Excuse the odd typo in my message. 😊
Hi Pauline ... I am 10 weeks post-op and discontinued the painkillers a couple of times ... however, found myself in pain which restricted me in my movements ... So, I went back (and forth) - I think that a big part of my weight gain is from taking these meds as well as having been so inactive for a while ... catch 22 here for me - take care - big hug
Everyone is different. I stopped my painkillers after a week, just forgot to take them and discovered I did not need them. As I have become more mobile the different muscles that are reawakening do complain. I use this of an indication of how my body is dealing with things. Have got the ibrufin at hand should I need it, but luckily not as yet
Thank you. The hip pain I used to get is gone, but I feel so stiff. I am walking and can, on a good day do up to a mile, but mostly less. I am doing excercises and seeing physio this week for 1st time.
I have my follow up tomorrow and will ask then what they think. I have reduced a lot but I really stiffen up overnight and get back pain even with painkillers.
I think the night is the most difficult. I have just past the week 4 mark and am taking less during the day but make sure I take them for the night (paracetamol and seperate codeine). I think it is because you are in that one position in bed on the dreaded back. Your muscles just get really stiff whereas in the day you move about a bit. I've now got two positions I can lie in one more propped up with legs stretched out over a pillow and then move to being more flat on my back but knees raised up more and it has definitely helped.
Hopefully for you at 5 weeks it won't be long before you can sleep on your side and the nights will be better.
I think it is important to take pain killers when you are suffering as you heal better when in less pain,
Hi Pauline, I'm into my second post-op week and also finding the stiffness, especially first-thing in the morning, the most draining aspect. I try to keep reminding myself of the pain I was in before the op and I am certainly not on as many painkillers now - I was sent home with 30mg Codeine and Paracetomol. I'm seeing my physio for the first time since leaving Hospital on Wednesday. I'm doing the exercises but they don't feel like they're doing very much - a bit on the easy side ? Maybe I'll get something more strenuous this week, and then I'll be moaning about that! Hang on in there girl, it can only get better!
regards, Cheryl
Hi Pauline, I am 6 weeks post op and didnt take any painkillers (apart from the odd one) after 2 weeks. I did have to go back to them yesterday as I really overdid things on Saturday.
I think the moral of the story is that if you are in pain, take the painkillers as that is what they are there for. There is no shame in it, no-one needs to be in pain if pain relief is there.
You take care #
Regards
Nadine