4 weeks post op dr says i shouldnt need pain meds

Hi

Id be inclined to change my Dr! How on earth can he make a ststement like that on an over the phone consultation.

I would insist on a face to face appointment.

My Dr was not amussed when I asked for a repeat of oxycodone but he could see I needed it - it caused all sorts of problems in the pharmacy as its a controled drug but I got it only took what was needed when it was needed as its teriably adictive.

As your only a few weeks from your opp I think your expecting to do too much too soon - should be on your back for at least 6 weeks not on your side.

Pete (gloucestershire UK)

Hi sorry you are in pain. Are ypu excercising several times a day? That helps. At 1.5- 2 weeks i was finished with the meds. I do admit it was hard to give them up at night. At four weeks you should be feeling better. I had two hips replaced within a six mo time period. It is to soon to get on without a cane! It is also to soon to lay on your side. You will get there but it takes time. Stick with the tylenol..ice and excercise. Get up and walk around more too. I know its hard. You will have good days and bad. We all heal differently. If you continue to be in pain i would make an appointment to see the doc. You are still early in recovery. At about three months you will see a big difference. Good luck! Ps when u do lay on side put pillows betwern legs

Oh Paula!  I am so sorry for you.  Change doctors!  Or become more demanding.  You live inside your body, not him, and I'll bet that he is sleeping fine at night while you suffer!  Report him to some higher up group or person also.  This is not a matter of dependency upon narcotics, this is about being able to heal and movement and rest brings healing after major surgery! At this rate by not allowing you a strong narcotic, he is interfering with your healing process!  

Throw a fit in every way you can until you get what you need!  It makes me angry that you are suffering because of some pompous demi-God!  Please write, call and whatever else you need to do.  It is common place here in the US with our strict narcotic laws, to have narcotics available for 3 months after major surgery.  

I am with you in spirit,

Dawn

Thanks to you all for your valuable input. Think I will make appt with Dr.

Hi Paula,

Sorry to hear you are having such pain. I am 7 wks post mini THR and have been off all meds since week two. Including otc, except Tylenol PM to help me sleep for a few nights. I just could not stand the effects of the narcotics and wanted to drive again. Coincidently, when I stopped taking the meds, the terrible cramps and muscle spasms I was having in my operated leg at night stopped immediately. So did my bad disposition!  The only pain I have is when I first get up to walk and the more I walk the less pain. I used a crutch through week 4 when I went out somewhere, just to make sure I didn't fall. Finally it just got to be a nuisance. The point I am trying to make is that sometimes the pain meds actually make things worse. Make sure you do your excercises and use the ice pack, they help a lot. It really does not seem normal to have so much pain. I can't remember hurting while at rest even right after sugery. I would try getting off the meds for a few days to see if you are having adverse affects from the drugs, I know it's scary, but you may be pleasantly surprised. Then if your pain does not get better, get serious with your doctor. I think he is right though, trying to make sure you don't become addicted. Also take it easy, and give yourself time to heal. The only problem I am having now is sitting on the regular toilet seat without discomfort. I'm hoping that resolves itself soon. I haven't really heard anyone else complain about that.

Take care and good luck.

Kathee

 

Hi Paula

You say tylenol so I take it thats the US?

I'm in the UK and we stay on meds {with me it was tramadol} for 6 weeks then see the consultant and he usually takes you off that....well he did me.

I was put onto paracetamol which I think is similar to your tylenol and an antiflammatory but no way would he let me stay on the tramadol.

Once i was off it I realised how spaced out I had been and how much better I felt

Love

Eileen  UK