megss
03-05-2009, 08:44 PM
I am having a spinal fusion surgery in a month, and I have been told by my doctor to cut back on my pain meds now in preparation. I am nervous because of the pain I am in, but I understand why.
Has anyone else worried about getting adequate pain relief after surgery because they have built up a tolerance to the pain meds? I was on Vicodin for 4.5-5 months, and now have been on Percocet for the past month. It still works for me, but not as well as they did when I first started them. The pain starts coming back about 2 hours after I take them. What have been others experiences with this and were you able to achieve pain relief after surgery?
Thanks
Has anyone else worried about getting adequate pain relief after surgery because they have built up a tolerance to the pain meds? I was on Vicodin for 4.5-5 months, and now have been on Percocet for the past month. It still works for me, but not as well as they did when I first started them. The pain starts coming back about 2 hours after I take them. What have been others experiences with this and were you able to achieve pain relief after surgery?
Thanks
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vicki19
03-05-2009, 09:40 PM
Hi Meggs.... good luck on your upcoming surgery. I was not asked to cut back on my pain meds before surgery and I'd been taking them for over a year...... seriously. Not the same amount, but still. I also was worried, especially because of a previous surgery when I did not get adequate pain relief...... same surgeon. He immediately told me that I would be having control of that with one of those buttons. It worked out fine. I didn't have to wait for a nurse to come and remember it was time. Maybe that might be an option for you. I guess I can see how cutting back before surgery would help, but I don't think I could have stood the pain. I was still working up until a week before, but that was mostly I couldn't stand for more than 5 minutes by then. Anyway, see what he says about the pump thing. It can't hurt to ask. good luck!!!
megss
03-05-2009, 10:34 PM
Thanks Vicky,
I am sure I will have a morphine pump or something in the hospital, but it is at home that I am worried about. I will only be hospitalized for three days. The other thing about this surgeon is that he wants me off the pain meds by 4 weeks post op. I am absolutely terrified that that is too soon, especially with a spinal fusion. I guess we will see what happens.
I am sure I will have a morphine pump or something in the hospital, but it is at home that I am worried about. I will only be hospitalized for three days. The other thing about this surgeon is that he wants me off the pain meds by 4 weeks post op. I am absolutely terrified that that is too soon, especially with a spinal fusion. I guess we will see what happens.
rosespetal
03-06-2009, 10:06 AM
Morphine doesn't work on me so I was given dilaudid in the hospital which worked well, they tried morphine and I just laid there like ??? and??? lol.
I just had my pain meds changed/upped a month ago with my pain I was ready to take like 3 vicodens due to waking with pain it was so bad, now it's tolerable again.
Just because they want you off at 4 weeks, doesn't mean you will be. I try to not do much in the mornings, and avoid taking a pill if I can. Your going to the store stirred everything up I'm sure too.
Try taking a half, then wait an hour, see how you feel, then if you need to take the other half, that's what I do. When I came home as long as I could lay down and rest the pain wasnt as bad. I expect to be useless for the first 2 weeks after this fusion. If it's less then great, if it's more ohh well. But I'm anticipating 2weeks of my having to be laying more than anything else.
Some days I can take the pain, others I'm in bed all the time and taking a pain pill, sometimes it just stirrs up and I didn't even do anything. I see what really brings it on so I avoid that, or that time of the day, etc, and it helps me cut back on the pills. I've been on so many diff types, and now the vicoden for months I dont want to be dependant on it so I really try to tough it out on the 'easier' days, not that their truly easier, but I'm sure you get what I mean.
I just had my pain meds changed/upped a month ago with my pain I was ready to take like 3 vicodens due to waking with pain it was so bad, now it's tolerable again.
Just because they want you off at 4 weeks, doesn't mean you will be. I try to not do much in the mornings, and avoid taking a pill if I can. Your going to the store stirred everything up I'm sure too.
Try taking a half, then wait an hour, see how you feel, then if you need to take the other half, that's what I do. When I came home as long as I could lay down and rest the pain wasnt as bad. I expect to be useless for the first 2 weeks after this fusion. If it's less then great, if it's more ohh well. But I'm anticipating 2weeks of my having to be laying more than anything else.
Some days I can take the pain, others I'm in bed all the time and taking a pain pill, sometimes it just stirrs up and I didn't even do anything. I see what really brings it on so I avoid that, or that time of the day, etc, and it helps me cut back on the pills. I've been on so many diff types, and now the vicoden for months I dont want to be dependant on it so I really try to tough it out on the 'easier' days, not that their truly easier, but I'm sure you get what I mean.
vicki19
03-06-2009, 11:07 AM
Meggs.... oh, I did misunderstand. I don't remember exactly what surgery you are having right now, but I had a two-level ALIF and a laminectomy, meaning I was cut in the front and then turned over and cut in the back. Sounds horrible, and it was bad, but not as bad as I thought it might me. Anyway, I had my surgery Dec 2nd and am still on several pain meds and a few muscle relaxers a day. But I saw someone in the office last time who was wearing the same brace and we started talking and he said he was four weeks post op and our surgeon wouldn't give him anymore pain meds. He said he had a one-level ALIF. I was kind of surprised but since we have the same surgeon I can only guess he was basing it on the surgery. I understand your concern though because I was very concerned too, and it just ended up working out okay for me. I hope it does as well for you. They make feel so bad about asking for pain meds and I've always just hated that so much. Good Luck!!
megss
03-06-2009, 01:04 PM
Yes, I hate asking for pain meds, and asking for refills. They do make you feel so bad about it. The nurse is always like "let me check my calander to make sure it is time for a re-fill." It is such a shame that the good pain killers have such a bad reputation! LOL! Seriously though, for those of us who suffer from chronic pain.
Vicky- I am also having an incision in my front and back, but only one level will be fused.
Rose- Believe it or not Morphine doesn't work that well for me either. I've had it a couple of times in my life, and both times it didn't work that well and I was surprised. It still helped, but not as much as, well, even vicodin or percocet, and morphine is supposedly much stronger.
Vicky- I am also having an incision in my front and back, but only one level will be fused.
Rose- Believe it or not Morphine doesn't work that well for me either. I've had it a couple of times in my life, and both times it didn't work that well and I was surprised. It still helped, but not as much as, well, even vicodin or percocet, and morphine is supposedly much stronger.
lynn1961
03-06-2009, 01:43 PM
Meggs...........
I would think that if you are still hurting after the 4th week....your doc would give you something for pain but maybe not as strong as you was taking after surgery. I had surgery dec. 16....a 2 level <L4-5, L5-S1> ALIF <cut in front> and I am now down to just 1 pill a day. I take it in the morning as I feel pain getting out of bed many mornings. It is 5 mg. roxicodone IR. I just weaned down to that this week and seem to be doing ok with just that 1 pill. I am sure if I needed to take 1 in the evening, it would be ok. I know things are still "tender" in my back because when I sneeze <and I right now have a bad allergy/sinus issue LOL> it feels as if my back is BROKE. MY main problem is NOT pain though....its absolutely NO energy. I am very depressed over the fact that I cannot get MUCH of anything done. I am going to hire a maid.....I just cannot get things done and it is driving me nutts. I always cleaned my own home and always everyday did the same things in an orderly fashion. WELL, I cant do it.....I get completely out of energy. You may not experience the no energy as long as myself because you are so young undergoing this type surgery. Just dont PICK the baby up if you can help it....I have a small child too so.....I know what you are going to face.
LYNN
I would think that if you are still hurting after the 4th week....your doc would give you something for pain but maybe not as strong as you was taking after surgery. I had surgery dec. 16....a 2 level <L4-5, L5-S1> ALIF <cut in front> and I am now down to just 1 pill a day. I take it in the morning as I feel pain getting out of bed many mornings. It is 5 mg. roxicodone IR. I just weaned down to that this week and seem to be doing ok with just that 1 pill. I am sure if I needed to take 1 in the evening, it would be ok. I know things are still "tender" in my back because when I sneeze <and I right now have a bad allergy/sinus issue LOL> it feels as if my back is BROKE. MY main problem is NOT pain though....its absolutely NO energy. I am very depressed over the fact that I cannot get MUCH of anything done. I am going to hire a maid.....I just cannot get things done and it is driving me nutts. I always cleaned my own home and always everyday did the same things in an orderly fashion. WELL, I cant do it.....I get completely out of energy. You may not experience the no energy as long as myself because you are so young undergoing this type surgery. Just dont PICK the baby up if you can help it....I have a small child too so.....I know what you are going to face.
LYNN
onyxgates
03-06-2009, 04:29 PM
I had my surgery on the 9th of Feb and was told there was no reason to cut back on pain medications and I am on much more medication then you are on (75 patch). After surgery I was in a lot of pain but they just kept giving me a shot of something until it was controlled (in recovery). Once I was in my room, they put the patch on me (75) and I also had the PCA with morphine. I wished I knew what was in it because morphine sucks for me. Anyway it did allow me to be able to get up 4 times the day of surgery. The second day was more intense and while I timed out many times with my PCA, I still was able to walk around the hospital. In other words, your pain will be managed without issue and I would question why you need to increase your pain prior to your surgery when you or dealing with increased stress of anxiety. Hang in there. Ask about the pain mgmt group at the hospital if your doctor feels that will be necessary.
Good luck!!!
Good luck!!!
katlovesdogs
03-06-2009, 04:54 PM
I don't worry about my clean house as mush as I used t o. One year my hubby got me a Self Propelled Vacum for Christmas and BOY did the fur fly. He thought he was HELPING me and I took is as a personal insult. I have always enjoyed keeping a clean house as friends were always dropping by unexpectedly. Nowadays I worry about more imporant things than keeping a clean house. I have a 16 r old son and a husband who I have told that IF they want the house any cleaner than I keep it then they can have at it. :)
My hubby is all worried about me being on opiates long term but I told him that for me to even have ANY type of normal life I have no choice. I am lucky that my PM Doc keeps me well medicated but I have seen and heard horror stories about how others have been treated if they DARE ask for medications. My neighbor gets anything she can from ANYONE she can and hoards her meds because she says she is terrified of the day she is told she can't have any. She isn't in pain daily ( How lucky is SHE )
My hubby is all worried about me being on opiates long term but I told him that for me to even have ANY type of normal life I have no choice. I am lucky that my PM Doc keeps me well medicated but I have seen and heard horror stories about how others have been treated if they DARE ask for medications. My neighbor gets anything she can from ANYONE she can and hoards her meds because she says she is terrified of the day she is told she can't have any. She isn't in pain daily ( How lucky is SHE )
Executor
03-07-2009, 12:55 AM
You should not have to cut back on your pain meds in order to have surgery. In fact, the meds you are on are not all that strong in comparison to what is available on the upside....Meaning that even if you do build up tolerance (which is normal), there are many more meds available at your Doc's disposal, which are plenty potent enough to deal with your tolerance and need for pain meds following surgery.
It's important for the surgeon and anthesiologist to know about your tolerance, so they can adjust accordingly. However, there is no reason why you should be suffering now.
Best of luck to you with your surgery.
Regards,
Ex
It's important for the surgeon and anthesiologist to know about your tolerance, so they can adjust accordingly. However, there is no reason why you should be suffering now.
Best of luck to you with your surgery.
Regards,
Ex
megss
03-07-2009, 12:56 AM
I am a OCD freak as well when it comes to the cleanliness and organization of my home. With a little one, it is so hard to keep everything looking nice! Lynn I'm sure you can relate to that! Not only are there toys everywhere, but I am finding smudges on the carpets, furniture, and drapes even! Oh this is funny... The other day I noticed some beautiful art work on me and my husbands bed sheets:dizzy: Had I made the bed, the drawing would have been on our douvet cover.
Kat- I was given a vacuum cleaner for my birthday last year by hubby! LOL!
Onyx- You are so lucky that you didn't have to cut back on your meds. The amount I am allowed to take per day now has been cut in half. It is so hard for me because I am in so much pain. I wake up in terrible pain now. The nurse told me to just take Advil, but unfortunately I already have been taking the max (12), and it does nothing for my pain. I still have a month to go before my surgery (April 7th), so it is going to be a long month!
Kat- I was given a vacuum cleaner for my birthday last year by hubby! LOL!
Onyx- You are so lucky that you didn't have to cut back on your meds. The amount I am allowed to take per day now has been cut in half. It is so hard for me because I am in so much pain. I wake up in terrible pain now. The nurse told me to just take Advil, but unfortunately I already have been taking the max (12), and it does nothing for my pain. I still have a month to go before my surgery (April 7th), so it is going to be a long month!
JanKR
03-07-2009, 01:07 PM
I had to LOL at Kat's response to her Christmas "gift" as my response would have been the same! I have found also that things that used to drive me nuts as far as cleaning just don't bother me that much anymore. The only thing that is absolutely driving me crazy right now is the fact that our windows sorely need cleaning and although I am not a huge fan of this chore, I always managed to do it before. Now thinking of hiring someone but have never liked the idea of a stranger being in every room of my house. Oh well.
I am four months out from a L4-L5 fusion and still requiring pain meds at night or early evening depending on what I have done during the day. I take Norco 10/325 and a muscle relaxer at night when things are really flared up. Both seem to control things well. I have another appointment in the next two weeks with the surgeon and will see what his thoughts are on this. I also have cervical issues that require attention as (lucky me) I have DDD in my cervical spine also.
I want to caution all you ladies though. Be careful with your purses and wallets in public restrooms. I was in the book store the other day and just had my wallet with me so as not to carry a heavy purse. I sat it on the TP dispenser and went to drop my pants and the danged thing rolled off in the toilet (fortunately it was clean water!). I totally made a dive for it and forgot about all my months of being so careful with my back. Have been paying for it for the last two days (as well as drying out all my paperwork). Hopefully I didn't do any major damage but will find out as I have an xray due next week. It would have been humorous if it didn't scare me so much. Needless to say I didn't buy anything as I didn't want to explain the wet currency! So much for my day out!!!
Jan.
I am four months out from a L4-L5 fusion and still requiring pain meds at night or early evening depending on what I have done during the day. I take Norco 10/325 and a muscle relaxer at night when things are really flared up. Both seem to control things well. I have another appointment in the next two weeks with the surgeon and will see what his thoughts are on this. I also have cervical issues that require attention as (lucky me) I have DDD in my cervical spine also.
I want to caution all you ladies though. Be careful with your purses and wallets in public restrooms. I was in the book store the other day and just had my wallet with me so as not to carry a heavy purse. I sat it on the TP dispenser and went to drop my pants and the danged thing rolled off in the toilet (fortunately it was clean water!). I totally made a dive for it and forgot about all my months of being so careful with my back. Have been paying for it for the last two days (as well as drying out all my paperwork). Hopefully I didn't do any major damage but will find out as I have an xray due next week. It would have been humorous if it didn't scare me so much. Needless to say I didn't buy anything as I didn't want to explain the wet currency! So much for my day out!!!
Jan.
Nicole74
03-08-2009, 07:20 AM
I was taking percocet for 5 months around the clock. I had my fusion 5 days ago. I did not cut back on my pain meds before the surgery. Yes, I woke up in a lot of pain, but the hospital did a wonderful job maintaining my pain. I was on the pain pump as long as I needed it, which was for 2 full days. They told me they'd wean me off when I was ready. I was also recieving oral pain meds on top of the pain pump. The hospital wanted to make sure I had my pain under control before sending me home. They sent me home with two weeks of strong pain meds. I can call for a refill if I need more.
Good luck with your fusion.
Good luck with your fusion.