Medication levels

Hi all

I'm on the list for a THR on my right hip but I'm getting concerned at the amound of medication that I am taking.

I am up to 1000mg of Naproxin and 2000mg of co-codamol and then some Omeprazol to settle my stomach.  I know I could take more of the co-codamol but it just seems so excesive.  Side effects since I have started the co-codamol are constipation, bloating, wind  and feeling a bit spaced out about half an hour after taking them.

On the plus side it's really helping with the pain.  I guess I'm just looking for confirmation that I'm not the only one taking this amount?  Think I will start to rattle soon!

Hello Paula, You will prob be asked to stop these meds prior to op, your GP will be best person to ask. I had to stop all my med 5 days prior to op last July this was listed on a form you should get when you have the pre-op. Once you have had THR you will not need these, maybe a short time on painkillers. I'm 6mths post-op and walking 3+ miles daily without any pain. Very best of luck......Arthur

No your fine Paula, you need to take whatever you need to control your pain, its only for a short while longer now, as after your op and recovery period you won't need the medication, hopefully. I was taking 3000-4000:co-codamol pe day and 15 mg meloxicam as well as omaprazole, ferrous sulphate to increase my blood levels for the op and my lisinipril to reduce my blood pressure... Needed a suitcase for them all.

Hi Paula leading up to my op start nov 14 I had had so many concoctions of medication I felt like was rattling, I to had about same amount of co-codamol and naproxen, I also tried the morphine liquid which made me so I'll and when I went in for op they tried to give me morphine injection which again made me poorly so I cannot take any type of morphine. Push for your op if u are in so much pain, I went holiday August last year and couldn't even walk from plane to taxi wen I got to portugal so depending how bad u are keep ringing consultant and push, honest u won't look back. I have still certain amount of pain thru couple of problems but it's post op pain so am happy where I am and hopefully few weeks all pain gone. I don't look back to last year x gd luck

I prefer tramadol anyday over codeine. It doesn't cause constipation or upset my stomach . Maybe try it?

I was also taking the same quantities as you before op up to the day I had it. After the op apart from the first few days you will need very little medication. Stiffness was my main problem & still is first thing in the morning, but a few minutes exercise eases the situation. I am 8 weeks post op but will need a knee op soon.

Hi Paula,  Try some magnesium I take mine at night really helps with constipation relaxes muscles and helps with nerves . I still taking magniesum really helps

Good  Luck

Jackie

Hi

Well I was on paracetamol....full dose....2 x  times a day

Also like you on Naproxen...same dose

The omneprozol is ery important....not just to settle your stomach....its to prevent ulcers and that sort of thing....You should always have that when you take anti inflammatories.

I had codeine ...smallest dose to fall back on if I needed it.

It has very constipating side effects.

Prune Juice is good and make sure you get enough roughage and fruit as well.

Love

Eileen   UK

Hi

When I was in for my THR they gave you Dioctyl 100mg capsules to prevent the constipation caused by the Co Codamol and codiene ask your GP if you can have some.

Pete ( Gloucestershire UK).

Hi Paula,

I know exactly what u mean. Don't skimp on pain med. Take stool softener for pain meds are notorious for causing constipation. I even wore adult diapers so I would have to worry about any accidents or moving fast enough to get to the WH.

Its important to take pain med on schedule. As pain varies and everyone is different. 

Pain meds help u with the exercises need when you get home and movement . Very important to get blood and oxygen to the surgery site for heeling.

Stay strong. It's worth it in the long run.

3 time THR

HOPE

 

Hi Paula,

I am in a very similar position to yourself.  I am only 43 and an extremely active person(or I would be).  I ride horses for a living and socially and love walking and skiing.  I tried to manage with limiting the amount of pain killers but ended up in agony being unable to stand.  Now on maximum and still waking through night which is causing me to get very down physically and mentally. Now to add to problems I have a cyst above a tooth so on antibiotics.  Can't see me reducing my pain killers any time soon!  Despite all this terrified about the impending operation and how I will feel after it.

Wishing you the best!

I'm glad you are making good progress with your recovery, can't wait to be on the other side of the op!

Thanks for the reassurance!

glad you are making a good recovery, thanks for the advice!

Thanks, will mention it to my doctor, see what he says.

good luck with the knee op!

Thanks Jackie will look in to it.

Hi Eileen.  I'm eating plenty of roughage and fruit as I'm currently on Slimming World, so no prune juice I'm afraid.  It seems to have settled a bit, so fingers crossed!

Thanks Pete, it seems to be settling a bit so I will ask Dr if it gets worse, thanks for the advice

Thanks Hope, will carry on with it all