How necessary are pain meds? - ThinnerTimes

cnvh · 10-15-2006, 08:51 AM

I'm hoping to have my surgery (lap RNY) in the next couple of months, and I'm thinking ahead re: pain management post-op. If possible, I would like to get through this without having to use narcotic pain meds (vicodin, oxycontin, etc.)-- I have fortunately never had a problem with them, but I work in the field of addictions and deal with pill-addicted clients on an almost-daily basis, and quite frankly, I just would rather not be on the stuff unless absolutely necessary. (My job has taken all the fun out of drinking too, LOL) Plus, I know that most narcotics have a habit of slowing down your digestive system, and since I know I'll need to, um, demonstrate that my bowels are working before discharge (toot-toot!), I'd rather not be taking anything that could slow down that process.

So my question is, is there anyone out there who found that they DIDN'T need pain meds post-op? My only experiences with major injuries and surgery were having my wisdom teeth out (was prescribed vicoprofen-- didn't need or use it, tossed it after a week), and when I broke my collarbone (was prescribed percoset-- managed without it, tossed it as well). I think I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but I've never had surgery like this before, either.

So, how painful IS gastric bypass??????

coptergirl · 10-15-2006, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnvh

I'm hoping to have my surgery (lap RNY) in the next couple of months, and I'm thinking ahead re: pain management post-op. If possible, I would like to get through this without having to use narcotic pain meds (vicodin, oxycontin, etc.)-- I have fortunately never had a problem with them, but I work in the field of addictions and deal with pill-addicted clients on an almost-daily basis, and quite frankly, I just would rather not be on the stuff unless absolutely necessary. (My job has taken all the fun out of drinking too, LOL) Plus, I know that most narcotics have a habit of slowing down your digestive system, and since I know I'll need to, um, demonstrate that my bowels are working before discharge (toot-toot!), I'd rather not be taking anything that could slow down that process.

So my question is, is there anyone out there who found that they DIDN'T need pain meds post-op? My only experiences with major injuries and surgery were having my wisdom teeth out (was prescribed vicoprofen-- didn't need or use it, tossed it after a week), and when I broke my collarbone (was prescribed percoset-- managed without it, tossed it as well). I think I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but I've never had surgery like this before, either.

So, how painful IS gastric bypass??????

I used the pain meds in the hospital, and they gave me vicodin afterwards for home. They only give you a limited quantity, so there shouldn't be a probelm with addiction, but they are there for your use should you be in pain - its up to you to use them or not, but why not be comfortable?! Personally, I did not use the vicodin until I had my period 3 weeks later - the cramps were aweful and the vicodin was the only thing that helped!

Kechara · 10-15-2006, 09:33 AM

I had a lap rny also. My surgeon inserts tubing during the surgery for a device called an on-q pump, which provides a time released local anesthetic (similar to lidocaine) directly to the surgical site. The on-q pump works for about 5-7 days after surgery. I was also placed on a morphine pain pump for the first 2 days. I it helped a lot the first day, by the second day I didn't need it as much and switched to asking for lortab (liquid vicodin) as needed. By the third day the pain had lessened even still. When I was released on the third day, the pain comprable to say, having done a ton of sit ups the day before. I did use the lortab at home on and off for about a week after.

My suggestion to you would be this. If you have someone who will be watching over you while you are recovering, go ahead and get the prescription from the doctor beforehand but don't fill it. That way, if you decide you do need it you will have the prescription on hand and if you don't need it, you can just destroy it. That way you don't waste the money on something you won't use.

Also, you might see if your doctor offers the on-q pumps or something similar to help lessen the need for narcotic pain relievers.

Dyann · 10-15-2006, 09:51 AM

In the hospital, I believe pain meds are a must the first day or two. Not only will you be in pain, but the pain causes you to not breathe deeply or be able to do your spirometer. This will cause your small airways to collapse, and give you respiratory compromise and possibly pneumonia. If your doctor uses a PCA, you can't take too much as it has a lock out. I understand your concerns, but when pain is real, the risk of addicition is low when dosed properly and taken on such a short term basis. There was no high obtained from the pain meds I took in the hospital. It is a personal decision. If you have no pain, by all means, don't take any. You will only know when you get there.

chilmoe · 10-15-2006, 10:03 AM

i had open ryn just over one month ago, they gave morphine right after my surgery, which i had a reaction to, so they gave me demerol that night, day two i went off all pain meds, i have a high pain tolerance too and felt i could better manage on my own with breathing and relaxation, dont like how i feel on drugs, so if you feel you can handle it on your own, that would be up to you, they will probably give you something right after, i know i was asking for something for pain when i woke up in recovery, but by the next day i didnt need any.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnvh

I'm hoping to have my surgery (lap RNY) in the next couple of months, and I'm thinking ahead re: pain management post-op. If possible, I would like to get through this without having to use narcotic pain meds (vicodin, oxycontin, etc.)-- I have fortunately never had a problem with them, but I work in the field of addictions and deal with pill-addicted clients on an almost-daily basis, and quite frankly, I just would rather not be on the stuff unless absolutely necessary. (My job has taken all the fun out of drinking too, LOL) Plus, I know that most narcotics have a habit of slowing down your digestive system, and since I know I'll need to, um, demonstrate that my bowels are working before discharge (toot-toot!), I'd rather not be taking anything that could slow down that process.

So my question is, is there anyone out there who found that they DIDN'T need pain meds post-op? My only experiences with major injuries and surgery were having my wisdom teeth out (was prescribed vicoprofen-- didn't need or use it, tossed it after a week), and when I broke my collarbone (was prescribed percoset-- managed without it, tossed it as well). I think I have a fairly high pain tolerance, but I've never had surgery like this before, either.

So, how painful IS gastric bypass??????

VanessaSFL · 10-15-2006, 12:05 PM

I needed them after surgery...my pain was real...like Dyann stated...I was not worried about addiction.

I was on the good stuff for two weeks ..mostly to knock me out at night.

I still take tylenol about 4 times a week at 19 months out.I think being MO killed my joints...didn't bother me when I was MO but kill me now 140 lbs lighter.

Best wishes~

Van

Blueyz · 10-15-2006, 12:42 PM

I had open and I needed my liquid Lortab. At the hospital, I had a pain pump of Morphine that we quickly turned off...I found out I was allergic and we switched to the Lortab...it was fine. They only gave me a refill and no addiction...you just taper off as your pain decreases.

I wouldn't worry about using it for a short time. Oxycontin is a time released drug that you must take on a consistant basis. I wouldn't think that they would give you that one for post-operative pain. That drug is usually used for chronic pain and for people who are narcotic tolerant. I learned a lot from my pain management group.

I think you will be just fine. Dr. Callery told me not to try to be a hero by not taking the pain meds. He said to keep it under control and be comfortable.

Gina in NY · 10-15-2006, 05:21 PM

I had open and left the hospital with some darvocet that I took only at night for a few days, then I switched to tylenol. I had an epidural for pain management in the hospital, but that won't be applicable for you with lap.

In either case, your sensitivity to addiction issues will keep you very safe. Most folks seem to just need a week of pain killers and you won't develop an addiction quite that fast.

Talk to your doctor - she/he will be sensitive and prescribe whatever it is you need.

kat4752 · 10-16-2006, 05:22 PM

I noticed your weight is 103lbs & your surgery was in 2004. Are you still this weight today? If so, you have kept your weight off good. I know they say you lose the most weight 6mos-18mos after surgery & you will regain some of it. So i was wondering if you have gained any? My surgery date is thursday 10-19-2006!!!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueyz

I had open and I needed my liquid Lortab. At the hospital, I had a pain pump of Morphine that we quickly turned off...I found out I was allergic and we switched to the Lortab...it was fine. They only gave me a refill and no addiction...you just taper off as your pain decreases.

I wouldn't worry about using it for a short time. Oxycontin is a time released drug that you must take on a consistant basis. I wouldn't think that they would give you that one for post-operative pain. That drug is usually used for chronic pain and for people who are narcotic tolerant. I learned a lot from my pain management group.

I think you will be just fine. Dr. Callery told me not to try to be a hero by not taking the pain meds. He said to keep it under control and be comfortable.

Blueyz · 10-16-2006, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kat4752

I noticed your weight is 103lbs & your surgery was in 2004. Are you still this weight today? If so, you have kept your weight off good. I know they say you lose the most weight 6mos-18mos after surgery & you will regain some of it. So i was wondering if you have gained any? My surgery date is thursday 10-19-2006!!!!!!

Good luck on your surgery date

I have been going up and down in weight. When I go down, I eat more. I made an effort to pull myself up from 103. I have been hanging around 115 and at times of the month up to 120. If I don't concentrate on eating right, I drop back down. Maintenance takes effort. It is true that we level to where our body is comfortable and I personally can gain easily by eating a lot of carbs in between meals.