Post surgical pain

[sayheykidsf24]

Hi, I am going to have foot surgery. I told the surgeon I am in recovery. But he wants to know what he can give me for pain. Any suggestions? Apparently no pain meds is not an option. I am planning on having my brother who lives with me administer whatever meds they give me. but I am scared. Any suggestions?
Melanie

[nandm]

Welcome to SR and our pain forum.

When I was 6 months sober I had a similar experience. I broke several bones and had to have a metal rod placed in my thigh to repair the extensive damage to my leg. I was placed on a morphine drip before and after the surgery. I demanded it be removed 2 days after the surgery even though the doctor wanted me to stay on it several more days. I was afraid that I would become addicted even though my drug of choice had always been alcohol. What I learned from the experience, what the doctor explained to me, and from my nursing experience is that mangement of pain post surgery is an important thing. Unless the pain is managed what happens is the healing process is slowed because the person can not get past the pain to start physical recovery. The body needs healing time. I delayed my recovery time to the point that I was nearly placed in a nursing home to recouperate. Fortunately a friend took me in and took time off work to assist me during that early recovery time.

Several thoughts on pain management.
Once pain is out of control it is harder to manage and takes longer to get under control.
A person in recovery really needs to be careful to take the medications exactly as prescribed. If the bottle reads take one tablet every 8 hours one of the best ways to do that is to set an alarm for every 8 hours and not take the medication any sooner.
An as needed pain medication should also be taken just as prescribed but remember that as needed does not mean take all the time, only as it is needed. For example; take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain. That means that if the person is not in pain 6 hours after taking the medication then don't take the medication again until it is needed again. It does not mean take one every 6 hours no matter what.
Follow the doctors instructions but be sure to communicate. If you find you are not using (because the pain is managed well without it) the as needed pain medication then let the doctor know. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about your needs and concerns. Make notes before you go to your doctors appointments so you don't forget why you feel a non narcotic pain medication may be suitable to treat your pain or for any other concerns you have. Communication with your doctor is essential when in recovery and taking pain medications.
By following the above I was able to avoid becoming addicted to the oxycodone and oxycontin I was prescribed. Even though I was on the medication for nearly 5 months.

If you are careful and communicate well with your doctor then you should be fine with the medication. Never forget though that you are an addict and more at risk for developing addiction issues. Check your motives when you reach for the as needed pain medications.

I hope to see more of your posts here. Again welcome to our forum.

Judith

[ksos]

I think Judith really focused on the "real" issue--which is monitoring yourself or, if necessary having someone else monitor your appropiate use of pain medicines.

I suppose what I am saying is that pain happens and it is sometimes inevitable that you will take medication for a medical problem. It isn't the type of drug you need information on, since your MD can answer that, hopefully. It is the addict within that needs support now, and I think you have been very honest since you have come here on the boards. I mean, you have been super honest with some hard to deal with issues.

You rock, and I think Judith's words are really the ones to keep in your bag, wallet, or whatever is with you when you do have your surgery.

I will pray for the pain to not be overwhelming to you, okay? I know how scary it is to anticipate what it will feel like after it is all said and done.

Welcome again to SR, and keep posting!

[Sugah]

I had surgery to reconstruct my lower leg when I was three months clean. I was so fearful of relapse - and I was told the same thing. Not medicating the pain was not an option. I was on a Dilaudid drip for seven days, and when I left the hospital, I was given a prescription for Percocet. My son held my meds and gave them to me. As I neared the end of the prescription, I started lowering the dose, and though I felt shaky for a couple of days after I stopped, I went through no serious withdrawals.

Other than the healing issue, there is also problem of stress causing relapse. I was blessed that one of my surgeons was in recovery and was open with me about it. He told me, "If you don't let me take care of your pain, when you leave here, you will take care of it yourself." So, I let the doctor manage it, stayed very, very close to my support system (my sponsor, others in recovery), prayed & meditated, and made sure I was accountable. I came through it without a relapse.

The medication isn't as important, I don't think, as your commitment to your recovery. If you're willing to go to any lengths to preserve that, you'll be okay.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

[lizw]

Originally Posted by Sugah

I was blessed that one of my surgeons was in recovery and was open with me about it. He told me, "If you don't let me take care of your pain, when you leave here, you will take care of it yourself."

What a very wise man!! That's a fantastic story to hear!! That must be one of the sanest things I have ever heard regarding pain medication and recovery.

It is so easy to get caught up in the idea that as an alcoholic/addict, I'm gonna start abusing my medication and I have to admit no one's ever said to me, if you don't take that medication you'll going to start abusing something else!