Sage48
06-22-2008, 09:40 PM
Hi all, back from my travels..back did pretty good (with meds.) But, I was careful...didn't lift too much stuff...let others do it. That was very hard for me to do..I usually try to do everything.
I am having surgery on Thurs. (fusion of SI joint on the right side) ..Because I have been on oxycodone 4 times a day (10/325) for over 2 yrs. I am concerned about pain control after my surgery. For the first 3 days I will have an epidural...it's after they remove it that I am concerned. The Dr. suggested that I cut back on the oxycodone a bit...and I did try...but the increase in pain was just not worth it.. He said that it may be a bit harder to control my pain...which makes me a little leary..Anyone have any ideas????
Leslie
I am having surgery on Thurs. (fusion of SI joint on the right side) ..Because I have been on oxycodone 4 times a day (10/325) for over 2 yrs. I am concerned about pain control after my surgery. For the first 3 days I will have an epidural...it's after they remove it that I am concerned. The Dr. suggested that I cut back on the oxycodone a bit...and I did try...but the increase in pain was just not worth it.. He said that it may be a bit harder to control my pain...which makes me a little leary..Anyone have any ideas????
Leslie
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Boxerluver
06-22-2008, 10:45 PM
Hi Sage, I'm glad you had a good trip and didn't over do it. We are leaving this Friday and it is so hard not to over do. If all you are on is the oxy 4 times a day I wouldn't really worry about it. I'm kind of even surprised the doc mentioned you trying to cut down because you are not on a lot of meds comparitively.
First I'd make sure you have conversations with the anesthesiologist and the doc who will be managing your pain post op before you have surgery. You should have a plan in advance concerning your pain meds. I learned that the hard way and will never do it again.
I am on some pretty strong meds, fentenyl and when I have had surgeries, I stay on my regular pain meds and then they give me the pca pump which is patient controlled anelgesia. If that doesn't control the pain, they give me a bolster through the pump.
During surgery they will take into consider what you take as they figure how much to give you under anesthesia and then if you need any in recovery, but with the epidural, you might not. I've never had one of those before.
I hope it goes well!
Melissa
First I'd make sure you have conversations with the anesthesiologist and the doc who will be managing your pain post op before you have surgery. You should have a plan in advance concerning your pain meds. I learned that the hard way and will never do it again.
I am on some pretty strong meds, fentenyl and when I have had surgeries, I stay on my regular pain meds and then they give me the pca pump which is patient controlled anelgesia. If that doesn't control the pain, they give me a bolster through the pump.
During surgery they will take into consider what you take as they figure how much to give you under anesthesia and then if you need any in recovery, but with the epidural, you might not. I've never had one of those before.
I hope it goes well!
Melissa
stymie82
06-23-2008, 12:08 AM
Yes Sage, the anesthesiologist is very important to folks like us after surgery. You can call for a consult should you have trouble keeping pain under control. He/she will be sending you an immense bill, so you should make use of their expertise, especially if you run into a nurse who is opiate-phobic. They are working for you. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you during this time and heal you up quickly:angel:
forginon
06-23-2008, 12:59 AM
Sage,
There is no good reason that they should have any difficulty controlling your pain post-op. Your dose is so low there should be no problems.
Even if your dose were high, there should still be no problem, but unfortunately we do run across opiophobes once in awhile.
Which doc is the one that mentioned you should cut down on the oxy? Will that doc have anything to do with your pain control in the hospital? If so, then you need to take care of that now.
The best idea is to have a plan, as Boxerluver wrote. That includes forming a team to support you. And that team starts with the anesthetist. You need to clearly communicate your current meds and your concerns to him/her. If he/she will not be responsible for your post-op pain control after surgery, then you need to educate whomever that doc is about your needs.
First, you should receive your daily allowance of CP meds without hesitation, on schedule. You should not have to ask for them, they should be given automatically. Second, they should provide plenty of meds to handle the post-op pain. Do not let them try to tell you that your CP meds should handle that. They need to know that the CP meds get you to what others would consider normal. As Boxerluver wrote, the post-op pain is usually covered by a PCA (patient controlled analgesia) pump. This is an infusion of meds IV, some deliver an automatic amount per a schedule, while allowing you to hit a button when you need meds for post-op BT pain. Some just use the button push approach. However they do it, you need your normal CP meds, and meds for post-op pain after the epidural is removed.
See is the hospital has pain or patient advocates on site and contact them to ensure you are doing everything possible to get your pain needs taken care of. Write down their names so someone who watches you while in the hospital can contact them if needed.
Get a support team signed-up and you'll be fine. We're all here for you.:)
steve
There is no good reason that they should have any difficulty controlling your pain post-op. Your dose is so low there should be no problems.
Even if your dose were high, there should still be no problem, but unfortunately we do run across opiophobes once in awhile.
Which doc is the one that mentioned you should cut down on the oxy? Will that doc have anything to do with your pain control in the hospital? If so, then you need to take care of that now.
The best idea is to have a plan, as Boxerluver wrote. That includes forming a team to support you. And that team starts with the anesthetist. You need to clearly communicate your current meds and your concerns to him/her. If he/she will not be responsible for your post-op pain control after surgery, then you need to educate whomever that doc is about your needs.
First, you should receive your daily allowance of CP meds without hesitation, on schedule. You should not have to ask for them, they should be given automatically. Second, they should provide plenty of meds to handle the post-op pain. Do not let them try to tell you that your CP meds should handle that. They need to know that the CP meds get you to what others would consider normal. As Boxerluver wrote, the post-op pain is usually covered by a PCA (patient controlled analgesia) pump. This is an infusion of meds IV, some deliver an automatic amount per a schedule, while allowing you to hit a button when you need meds for post-op BT pain. Some just use the button push approach. However they do it, you need your normal CP meds, and meds for post-op pain after the epidural is removed.
See is the hospital has pain or patient advocates on site and contact them to ensure you are doing everything possible to get your pain needs taken care of. Write down their names so someone who watches you while in the hospital can contact them if needed.
Get a support team signed-up and you'll be fine. We're all here for you.:)
steve
Sage48
06-23-2008, 10:22 AM
Wow thanks for all of your advice. I have been lead to believe that the dose of medication I have been taking is large and will interfere with pain management after surgery... The epidural is for 3 days and I have been lead to think it should control the pain. It is after the epidural is removed we should have meds. in place for pain control. I have been in pain for almost 5 yrs...and am tired of it. This surgery is to fix the cause of the pain. My family Dr. doesn't believe in pain meds...his theory is get used to it...the meds. will eventually stop working...stop trying to find the cause of the pain..and move n. Yup...those were his words last Nov....I found out the cause of the pain in April and have had a PM Dr. who would only dispense the one med. I am taking...I changed to him after my old PM was just dosing me...not trying to help me find out the cause of the pain (this is after years of seeing him...). The new PM said he would never give me anything stronger and that if the current med. became ineffective, "we" would have a pain med. vacation... NOT... Just love those people...kept asking if there wasn't a long acting med...and was ignored...so I was on the roller coaster..up and down all day...no fun...but better than nothing.
I will make sure I speak with both my surgeon and anesthesiaest tomorrow..I have apts. for tests and physical getting ready for Thurs. surgery. Thanks for your help and suggestions...
Leslie
I will make sure I speak with both my surgeon and anesthesiaest tomorrow..I have apts. for tests and physical getting ready for Thurs. surgery. Thanks for your help and suggestions...
Leslie
Moldova
06-23-2008, 10:27 AM
Sage!
First of all, you will be in my prayers on Thursday... I wish you all the best, honey and I am sure you will be OK.:)
Now about meds... I was on PK for almost 3 years before my multi-level fusions. After surgery I was 9 days in a hospital; first 5 days I was on Morphine IV and than oral meds. I had no problem with meds keeping my pain under control. They had to be switched couple of times because some caused reaction, some did not work as well. But, like Steve said, you have to communicate with your Anest., your surgeon and whoever will take care of you. They usually are very understanding and knowlegable.
Good luck, will be thinking of you, dear...:angel:
First of all, you will be in my prayers on Thursday... I wish you all the best, honey and I am sure you will be OK.:)
Now about meds... I was on PK for almost 3 years before my multi-level fusions. After surgery I was 9 days in a hospital; first 5 days I was on Morphine IV and than oral meds. I had no problem with meds keeping my pain under control. They had to be switched couple of times because some caused reaction, some did not work as well. But, like Steve said, you have to communicate with your Anest., your surgeon and whoever will take care of you. They usually are very understanding and knowlegable.
Good luck, will be thinking of you, dear...:angel:
123dietdrpepper
06-23-2008, 10:28 AM
Thinking of you, praying that your pain will be controlled post op, and that this upcoming surgery is a solution to your pain.
forginon
06-23-2008, 01:01 PM
Leslie,
I highly recommend that you find a new PM doc after your surgery. Even if the surgery is successful. And I am not just saying try to find a narcotic dispensing doc. You need someone who understands modern PM, and that happens to include the use of opioids when necessary. It also includes non-narcotic meds, physical therapy, diagnostics to determine underlying causes, etc.
With regard to opioids, there is a time and place for those. If at some point you become in need of that therapy, you need to know that your doc will take proper care of you. It's not that we are entitled to opioids, but we are entitled to be treated fully and comprehensively.
steve
I highly recommend that you find a new PM doc after your surgery. Even if the surgery is successful. And I am not just saying try to find a narcotic dispensing doc. You need someone who understands modern PM, and that happens to include the use of opioids when necessary. It also includes non-narcotic meds, physical therapy, diagnostics to determine underlying causes, etc.
With regard to opioids, there is a time and place for those. If at some point you become in need of that therapy, you need to know that your doc will take proper care of you. It's not that we are entitled to opioids, but we are entitled to be treated fully and comprehensively.
steve
Sage48
06-23-2008, 04:30 PM
Thanks Diet and Moldova..
I have a new plan in place regarding my surgery...I just don't think of it...when I do I cry..so I try not to think about it.
Really...
I have appts. tomorrow with the PT lady for training on the walker..so I won't put down my right leg...can't do that..no weight bearing...
Then onto the physical with my ortho....and answers to many questions...
Then onto the testing...blood/xray/etc...
Full day...and I am thinking it will be impossible to bury my head and not think of the surgery...
On Wed. I have appt. with endro. Dr. for results on ultrasond of thyroid...
Thurs. @ 7:30 surgery is scheduled....SCARY....
I believe that the pain control will be ok...it has to be...and I will just be a crying person if not...they will get the picture...I hope!
Thanks for all of your concern - prayers and friendship...it all means alot..
Leslie
I have a new plan in place regarding my surgery...I just don't think of it...when I do I cry..so I try not to think about it.
Really...
I have appts. tomorrow with the PT lady for training on the walker..so I won't put down my right leg...can't do that..no weight bearing...
Then onto the physical with my ortho....and answers to many questions...
Then onto the testing...blood/xray/etc...
Full day...and I am thinking it will be impossible to bury my head and not think of the surgery...
On Wed. I have appt. with endro. Dr. for results on ultrasond of thyroid...
Thurs. @ 7:30 surgery is scheduled....SCARY....
I believe that the pain control will be ok...it has to be...and I will just be a crying person if not...they will get the picture...I hope!
Thanks for all of your concern - prayers and friendship...it all means alot..
Leslie
123dietdrpepper
06-23-2008, 07:03 PM
Leslie, I wish I could come over and go to your appts with you just to lend you some extra support. You might even consider asking the doctor/anthesiologist to prescribe you something before the surgery/the night before. Tell them you are really nervous and concerned about having adequate pain control. Be 100% honest - tell them that this is the only concern you have following surgery and hopefully this will get the point across and they will reassure you.
After my last surgery, I had a slight glitch with pain control and I asked one nurse and she was like I can't get hold of your doctor, I asked another nurse and in less than 3 minutes she walked in with an injection. Hum...wonder how they got me more meds and the first one didn't? So remember if you don't get the answer you want, ask another nurse.
Do you think you could have someone post just tell us how you are doing after surgery?
Take care and remember we are praying for you and that we care.
After my last surgery, I had a slight glitch with pain control and I asked one nurse and she was like I can't get hold of your doctor, I asked another nurse and in less than 3 minutes she walked in with an injection. Hum...wonder how they got me more meds and the first one didn't? So remember if you don't get the answer you want, ask another nurse.
Do you think you could have someone post just tell us how you are doing after surgery?
Take care and remember we are praying for you and that we care.
Sage48
06-23-2008, 07:42 PM
oh Diet what a great idea...why didn't my drippy mind think of mentioning to the Dr. tomorrow that I am basically falling apart with anxiety..concerning the pain management... duh. Also...asking for a little something to get me through tomorrow & Wed. might be a good idea...I'm going to ask...thanks for thinking of this for me!! See...brain is not working, but a replacement (you) has thought through the problem!!! Thank you!!!!
I will ask my daughter to come by and let you all know how I am doing...
She won't see me..at least until the weekend..more likely when I get home from the hospital..as it is about 65 miles up the road.
Thank for all of your help!! (Husband is still trying to figure out how to get me home!!! I told him that they must deal with this problem - people not very mobile...and getting into vehicles...they'll get me in... See...I've stopped worrying about stuff...just not thinking about it.!!
Leslie
I will ask my daughter to come by and let you all know how I am doing...
She won't see me..at least until the weekend..more likely when I get home from the hospital..as it is about 65 miles up the road.
Thank for all of your help!! (Husband is still trying to figure out how to get me home!!! I told him that they must deal with this problem - people not very mobile...and getting into vehicles...they'll get me in... See...I've stopped worrying about stuff...just not thinking about it.!!
Leslie
sammyo1
06-23-2008, 10:45 PM
sage well I cant add to the advice you have received because sounds like the best advice you can get. I was worried about the pain control after surgery to, but I spoke to the surgeon who assured me that I could increase the meds & I did. After reading about all the meds on this board it sure sounds like you should not have to worry whether something can be given to you for better PM. I think if you can manage to address it before hand you will have more peace of mind. Look at it this way any normal person would be concerned about pain control after surgery so you are just asking what anyone else in your shoes would be asking.
I sure will keep you in my prayers & I so hope that all goes well for you. I will keep an eye out for an update. Sammy
I sure will keep you in my prayers & I so hope that all goes well for you. I will keep an eye out for an update. Sammy
Sage48
06-25-2008, 09:43 AM
Thanks Sammy...
Yes, I am feeling much better this morning...as far as the discussion on Pain Control, my Dr. has assured me that I will be taken care of...and I believe him.
Thank you for your concern...
I will try to have my daughter let everyone know how I am doing....
Thanks again.
Leslie
Yes, I am feeling much better this morning...as far as the discussion on Pain Control, my Dr. has assured me that I will be taken care of...and I believe him.
Thank you for your concern...
I will try to have my daughter let everyone know how I am doing....
Thanks again.
Leslie
cmpgirl
06-25-2008, 12:08 PM
Sage (Leslie), I just wanted to say good luck tomorrow. It sounds like your doc has things well in hand and you should have good pain coverage. I just wanted to say that you'll be in my thoughts and prayers and I'll be with you in spirit. I hope your daughter does get a chance to update us.
Be strong and stay positive. Hope to hear from you soon. God Bless, CMP/MM
Be strong and stay positive. Hope to hear from you soon. God Bless, CMP/MM
123dietdrpepper
06-25-2008, 12:10 PM
Sweetie, good luck and I have faith that this surgery will end your days of pain. You have been thru so much for to long!! God Bless.
trowftd3
06-25-2008, 02:00 PM
Good luck tomorrow! I'll be sending positive thoughts your way. I, too, hope this will end your pain. Take care.~Mush