I’m 12 days post op and up until an hour ago my thigh/buttock pain wasn’t too bad. It’s now back in full force all down my leg as well and I’m just needing to know please roughly how long it will be before I start to need less pain relief.
My last 2 co codamols were 2am. Before that it was 8pm just before bed. I don’t know whether it’s best to keep topping up the pain relief like everyn4 hours so not waiting til the pain gets this bad or to actually wait until I need them. Thanks
According to the time on my clock you have been without pain-killers for nearly 12 hours. If that is the case you have done well. Don't let the pain get so bad that you can't keep it under control. Maybe a good idea is to take them every 6 or 8 hours apart instead of the 4. Hope this helps.
Gillxx
Sarah, if you are in pain that is unbearable you should take your painkillers. You should be careful with the co codamol that they don't cause constipation.
However It could all be to do with tight muscles as they heal. No one can say how long it will last as we are all different. Although I was in extreme pain post op, mine started to ease by day 10, but I still had pain for another couple of weeks on and off. I took paracetamol as unable to take codeine but cut it down as i went along. Just take each day at a time and don't worry over everything. You will heal at your own pace. Don't compare yourself to others or what you have heard.
Dear Sarah
You need to keep ahead if the pain not only for your own sanity but because being in pain is counter productive to healing. Of course you need to observe the number of tablets you are allowed to take in a 24 hour period.
Good luck
Richard
It’s easier to control pain by taking your medicines at regular intervals eg 6am, midday, 6pm midnight. Same as they do it in hospitals.
Regards
Ann
Don't come off painkillers suddenly .... gradually phase them out.
How long will it last? It's so variable, but usually doesn't last too long, a few days or weeks depending on the individual - of course at the time it feels like an age.
It all depends on how they had to handle your leg in the operation (it is a rather brutal operation), and how things like nerves and muscles went back together afterwards, and of course your tolerance to pain.
I was taking serious pain relief (Tramadol & Diclofenac) up to 9 days after my first operation - I was lucky! Thigh pain continued for some while when walking however, but I was able to control it with Ibuprofen.
Graham
I guess I noticed the pain more because I was sitting, it didn’t seem so bad once walking with crutches. I can’t have tramadol because it apparently clashes with another drug I’m taking.
Yes I will try another two at 8pm go to bed and then see tomorrow morning again.
I think I will go with the 6 hourly thing Richard. Co codamol is - I think - making me feel a bit nauseous so might go down to one tomorrow.
It might be all in my head but I’ve yet to get any pain relief from just paracetamols. I keep wondering why I always feel a bit nauseous ( rather like pregnancy nausea where you go off foods you normally enjoy) and I suspect it might be the co codamol. But last weekend the hospital sent me home with nothing so I’m just grateful IIve at least got pain relief. Ever since my op I’ve never felt really hungry, always a bit nauseous or very nauseous. It could be due to all the hardwear they put inside you I guess.
Thank you Gill.
I had problems with Tramadol - I started getting cravings for it just before the next pill was due.
That is interesting that if Tramadol is a problem with contra indications, that co-codamol is not a problem as they are both opioids. Tramadol does not have paracetamol in it though. What do the instructions say about the amount of tablets you should take on the box?
No it was my GP who said she would normally have given me tramadol but I take sertraline and tramadol apparently reacts with that but not co codamols.
Your GP is right, there is the possibility of a rare occurrence called serotonin syndrome, on the other hand sertraline also can have a moderate interaction with co-codamol. Over a thousand drugs are known to interact with sertraline.
Sarah sorry to hear about ur continued pain.
I am 24 days post op and only took half pain pill, Norco/Acet, three times after surgery. Three days ago I started to walk half a mile in the morning and half in the evening in my home with cane. Well today it’s been an awful day and I’m so discouraged. I walked half a mile this morning and been resting for couple hours. Just got up from sitting and I am so stiff (also my other hip which I had THR a year ago is very stiff) and in some pain. I’m
Here going on a month and I would think things would b getting slightly better. At least I’m off the walker. After this week I was hoping I would be able to return to work in 3 weeks. I have a feeling I may return with a limp still because of what I’m feeling. I was limping with pain at work already before my surgery.
I agree with the others to stay on pain meds before it starts hurting you. You are barely coming up on 2 weeks.
I am going to start taking the pain meds as needed and hope it helps me to recover and be able to continue strengthening my muscles.
I hope your pain starts subsiding for you as well. Believe me I know the frustration. My best to you Sarah.
I really dislike this going back and forth with feeling better and in one instance we are experiencing pain again.
The Codeine in Cocodamol is a natural opioid whereas Tramadol is a synthetic opioid I think. People often have reactions to synthetic drugs.
Cheers
Ann
A bit doom and gloom Ptolemy? Although you sound very knowlegable (and I’m sure you are right) I trust my GP to prescribe what she considers to be safe for me.
I have been working with the drug industry for over thirty years. I am amazed how bad a lot of doctors are regarding their knowledge of drugs. I have been offered drugs by my GP which are contra indicative. She apologised though.