Post op hip pain

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Good morning hippies I had my second hip replacement last Thursday and I was put on slow release morphine 20mgs twice a day as well as various paracetamol ect

I came home with my take home meds and notice that the 20mgs slow release morphine has been switched to 10mgs slow release twice a day. Effectively this means my pain relief has been half and I have not been given anything unlike my last hip replacement for breakthrough pain ie 5mgs oxycodone. Do you think I should contact my doctor is it normal to reduce pain relief after only three days I am scared of pain coming back.

Thanks

Susan

2

I've just went through hip surgery about 10 weeks ago and when I got home I cut down on my painkillers by half. I never got any morphine only dihyrdococodine and paracetamol and I've not taken any of them for 5 weeks mow. If you're not getting any pain cut them out, only take them if you need them

3

Hi Susan

I had my first done on Wednesday came home on friday like you they put me on slow release morphine but only sent me home with codeine paracetamol and ibuprofen must admit I am only taking the paracetamol now the codeine makes me queasy and I am a bit concerned about too much blood thinning with ibuprofen as I am self injecting blood thinners to be honest pain is mimimal more tightness and dull ache my old leg which needs doing is more painful and nothing helps that. I am a firm beleiver that minimal pain releif is the best for ne anyway . Have you tried ice packs they can give help if discomfort is due to swelling and be careful not to overdo things I know I am . This whole thing takes time and patience all the best Martin

4

I think maybe contact your GP to discuss it. It’s very important to stay ahead of the pain initially. All the best, Judith 

5

Just add I do agree with Judith we are all different and best to have a chat with gp to work out best plan for you

6

The thing with MD permission is that you should ask about taking the drugs PRN (as needed)  as well as trying to cut them out.  

7

I was stopped totally on morphine after three days. I was offered paracetamol and tramadol after that. I only took the paracetamol though. 

8

Hey Martin, I’ve been thinking about you. Hope your op went really well, Judith 

9

The morophine should only be short term.  After 8 weeks I take Ibuprophen before the pool in the morning, nothing else.

10

I can’t take Ibuprofen as I am taking steroids and they are counter indicative.

11

Hi Judith

​Thanks, yeah it has been surprisingly smooth so far stayed in for 2 nights.  Care at Nuffield Warwickshire was faultless fantastic staff Mr Cronin is a very caring highly skilled surgeon everyone made the whole process as easy as it could be. Getting around home well on 1 crutch and pain is very minimal more of an ache only using a couple of paracetamol as needed in fact the old leg is more of a problem now hope to get that sorted asap. I was a bit concerned about using self injecting blood thinners but to be honest it really isn't a problem .

​Hope you are getting on well, having those edges sharpened and new wax on the skis ready to hit the slopes soon, hopefully next season !

All the best Martin       

12

Oh I’m really pleased that it all went well  for you.  I didn’t have to inject, had blood thinning tablets, but it sounds as though you are getting to grips with that!  

Wishing you all the best,

Judith