Post-operative Pain Management - Morphine Pump

[AW2486]

I'm having major surgery next month for Ulcerative Colitis, Ileoanal anastomosis.

I've been doing some research and noticed from a few testimonials that post op pain management is a morphine pump that they can control using a switch.

I've been sober quite awhile. But coming out of anesthesia, being all foggy in the head, and having control over the morphine intake. Not sure I like that idea.

Anybody in recovery gone through this?

Andy

[nandm]

At 6 months of sobriety I was involved in an accident that required major surgery to save my leg. Post surgery I was placed on a morphine drip like you are referring to. Although the patient controls the amount of medicine to some degree there are safeguards in place with these machines. Only "x" amount of medicine will be given in "x" amount of time no matter how often the button is pressed. Personally, I was scared that I would have problems with the morphine pump and demanded they take it out on the second day after my surgery. I do not recommend this to anyone as it delayed my healing process and caused other problems. Pain has to be managed to allow the body to heal. I would write down any concerns you have regarding the morphine pump and address them with your doctor prior to surgery.

[Freedom1990]

Yes I have. Two years ago I had a pyloroplasty and selective vagotomy from years of acid reflux that had scarred the opening out of my stomach to a point so narrow I was keeping nothing down.

I had a 'zipper' with staples from breastbone to belly button.

Technically you can't abuse a morphine pump. You can only get medication so often.

I was on the morphine pump for 3 days, then on a mild pain pill for 2, and was discharged with orders for ibuprofen, and I did fine. I was having very little pain by that time.

[Alera]

I'm with nandm. When I had surgery many years ago, my doctor made my pump and later pills a regular med instead of a PRN. He was scared I would NOT use the medication. He told me there were many studies that show if you don't use pain medication properly it slows down your healing.

I have since found out that for me, this is true.

[WishIWasNormal]

Originally Posted by AW2486

I'm having major surgery next month for Ulcerative Colitis, Ileoanal anastomosis.

I've been doing some research and noticed from a few testimonials that post op pain management is a morphine pump that they can control using a switch.

I've been sober quite awhile. But coming out of anesthesia, being all foggy in the head, and having control over the morphine intake. Not sure I like that idea.

Anybody in recovery gone through this?

Andy

Don't worry. The pump is programmed by the nurse in accordance with the Dr.'s written orders. After the maximum prescribed dose is reached, multiple pushes on the button will not release any medication. You have told the Dr. of your addiction and recovery process and he will prescribe an appropriate dose. If you still experience pain, tell the nurse and she will discuss it with the Dr. There is no way you can OD because the pump is programmed to release only the prescribed amount of medication..

[Alera]

Originally Posted by WishIWasNormal

Don't worry. The pump is programmed by the nurse in accordance with the Dr.'s written orders. After the maximum prescribed dose is reached, multiple pushes on the button will not release any medication. You have told the Dr. of your addiction and recovery process and he will prescribe an appropriate dose. If you still experience pain, tell the nurse and she will discuss it with the Dr. There is no way you can OD because the pump is programmed to release only the prescribed amount of medication..

Wish is correct. When I came out I was still so sleepy I was actually told to simply turn over and hit the pump. If it wasn't time for my dose, it would not release it.

[AW2486]

thanks everybody for the feedback. I found out today .. this will happen October 22nd.

I had a minor same day surgery in April that required anesthesia, that took a lot of the fear away about this major one. It was the 1st time I had to deal with Narcotic pain meds since turning sober. Doc prescribed percocet & Vicodin, I talked to another recovering guy about it and he had his wife give him the meds. So I put my girlfriend in charge of them and it worked out well. I never had to use the Vicodin and was on tylenol 4 days after.

My primary doc knows I'm recovering ..but the surgeon doesn't .. He will know soon.

Thanks again all !!

Andy

[AW2486]

Coming up on the big day.. Was doing great mentally preparing myself, until last night. Feeling nervous. Got a call today with the 64 questions the pre-admission nurse asks. It's going to be a 6 1/2 hour surgery. Told them I'm recovering alkie, and my concerns about the pain management. She said its real important to walk alot afterward. In order to do that the pain needs to be controlled. Having that reason will help with the fear.

Hope to be back next week. Fingers crossed.

Andy

[Freedom1990]

Andy, I'm keeping you in my prayers. You will do fine!

[ananda]

Andy...I just had an operation 4 weeks go. I didn't get a pump, but was on oxycodone for 3 weeks afterwards....I tried to go off it or lower the dose too much a couple of times durning that period cause I was so scared of getting addicted. But it was really all fine when I actually took it as perscribed and talked to the dr. about a general plan to lower the dosage as I needed less.

It was real important to me that I was able to be honest with people in recovery about being on the pain pill and not get a bunch of flack for it....thats just me.

Please PM me if you get to feeling down...it's scarry to need something that could end in theory end up being a problem. I so needed the reasurance I got here and from other support groups that I wasn't a bad person or acting totally bizzar just cause i had to be on the pain meds for a while.

I was a little more forgetful...would arrange for 2 people to come pick me up for a meeting cause i forgot about the first arrange ment And people said i was just a little bit too perky for just having had a major surgery...but nothing too bad. They just sorta chuckled at me and patted my head....thats what i needed at the time

Please keep postin as you go through the process and like i said PM me if you like...it's all still pretty fresh in my mind!

[Latte]

Something I always ask myself is "What pain am I trying to kill." As long as it is actual physical pain and not something mental I'm doing fine. The whole honesty thing includes being honest with myself.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll do just fine, you've armed yourself.

[ananda]

Thinking of you AW

[Crazy8Canuck]

After my 3rd brain surgery this past summer I had the option of the morophine button or IV demoral....as a good little addict I opted for the demoral, becasue the nice nurses kept it comming. It seems thay look at what you are taking for pain pre op and get similar amounts ready in the recovery room. The lady beside me was screamming in pain with the Morophine drip and I had 2 nice old lady nurses that gave me demoral as I asked.....not sure how lobg I was in the recovery room, but I was getting 150mg of demoral whenever I asked for it in my IV.....I loved it then, but wish now I used the Morophine button instead.....I am regreting it now.

Best of luck to you...the fact you came here first shows you will do fine.

Chuck

[ananda]

I know you won't be out of the hospital for a while...but thinking of you and wishing you well

[Freedom1990]

Originally Posted by ananda

I know you won't be out of the hospital for a while...but thinking of you and wishing you well

I second that!

[ananda]

well...know you cant hear us...but just a little reminder traveling through the airways......Relax...take it easy...the world is running fine without you....take care of your own needs to day an I expect we will see you home on Monday...hope you are well enough to drop a quick line then

[ananda]

Boy Aw....5 days is a long time! still thinking of you

:ghug

[AW2486]

Just got home today .. I'm back and still alive

The Pain med's didn't end up being a problem. Have been off anything morphine / Percocet since Saturday.

If your eating ... stop reading

I was suppose to have my large intestine removed and a new "pouch" constructed using the end of my small intestine. It would require wearing an ileostomy appliance for 3 months to allow the new pouch to heal. Then get reconnected for normal function. 6 hour surgery.

What ended up happening .. my pelvis ending up being too long for the new pouch to receive enough blood to work. So I will have a permanent ileostomy for the rest of my life. Not the result I wanted, and frankly dreaded. Surgery lasted 8 hours.

My family knew from reports from the surgeon throughout the surgery. I wasn't told in recovery or the same night.. I found out from his "resident" the next morning and frankly was crushed.

Maybe this part of my post should be in the 12 step forum. My Higher power watched over me the whole time. He spoke to me through a young night nurse who found me crying late the second night and said cry until your done crying.. So I cried for a few hours. After that I found the will to focus and learn about my new friend that is now hanging from my body for the rest of my life.

My higher power then decided it was time for me to get out of my dilemma, I got a call from my cousin who I haven't seen in years, He called admitting to be alcoholic and wanting help. He came to the hospital to begin work on the Big Book.

Things like that just don't happen. That's all higher power

Thanks everybody for your thoughts and prayers. Right now I'm an emotional wreck and can cry on a dime. Think it might be from my chemistry being significantly altered. Everything will be fine, Just glad to be home.

Andy

[ananda]

thanks so much for letting us know how you are and for sharing about your expereince. If i were with you now I would give you a big hug and a box of klenex.

Gotta run right now, but hope you will post more as you go through this expereince

[DesertEyes]

Hey there Andy

Originally Posted by AW2486

Just got home today .. I'm back and still alive ...Things like that just don't happen. That's all higher power ...

Wow, what an amazing story of recovery in action. You say you are back and still alive, sounds to me like you are way better than just alive. You were able to help a newbie make his first steps towards recovery, while in the middle of a horrible hardship. Dude, all I can say is



I think it's pretty clear that your HP wants you to be an example of what recovery is all about. I'm glad that you decided to drop by this forum and share your story with us. You go right ahead and keep sharing, we're all here for you.

Mike

[Freedom1990]

So glad you checked in Andy, and wow, what wondrous things your higher power has done for you!

I'm continuiing to keep you in my prayers, my friend!

[butterflylover]

I hope you're feeling better Andy. You are in my prayers. Take care of yourself.

~B