Narcotics after THR

I'm now 8 months post op. I was sent home with the morphine pain killers which I reluctantly took for one week as that's what they advised and then nothing after that... I had no pain.  I think I was very lucky and have had an amazing recovery. 

Hi I am3 weeks post op . I still take painkillers most nights. But so far so good. Still with swollen knee. But this is normal. regards Amanda

I think you'll be ok if it's just short-term - I don't think you'll get hooked! Remember to do your exercises every day and be positive... it really is a life changing operation.  All the best, Sandra

Left hospital with some paracetamol and codeine.  Took the paracetamol as advised but left off the codeine after 2 days.  Stopped the paracetamol after 2 /3 weeks as not having any pain.

Hi surafawaz

I knew when my painkillers were due at first cos I would start to get pain, gradually there was more time in between the pain, so then I reduced my painkillers to extra strong paracetamol 4 hrly, then i realised i didnt have the pain so stopped taking them altogether. I am however still on anti inflammatory's twice a day, i took 1 pr day for 2 days but I had pain so went back to 2 a day which I'm still on, I'm 8 1/2 weeks now and driving, walking and back at work.

Hi surafawaz,

For me it depends because each surgery is different, but I think my average is 5 to 6 weeks I take the narcotics and then I stop, but I always keep some on hand in case I have a set back.

The myth of becoming addicted is, in my opinion. ridiculous. I was not an addict before my surgeries, so I will not become one after surgery.

It is imperative that the pain pills are taken with no lapse between doses, so I can stay on top of the pain and move around far easier compared to fighting the pain. Movement = Life.

💛 Dawn, USA

Hello, I take a couple of ibuprofen in the morning to shake off stiffness and head off any discomfort from my exercises. I'm 9 weeks post opp.

Jennifer,UK

1 week every day and night reducing over next week. at night only for 3rd week

Now only occasional antiinflammatory- more for my achy back anyway at 8 weeks but could easily cope without. I like being completely pain free  and am really lucky it has never upset my stomach

I was a bit worried about being 'hooked' for my first THR and was silly to have pain when I didnt need to so I took more for my other hip THR. I totally agree that you will not get addicted if you dont want to be as long as your operation is fairly straight forward

I took only paracetamol after my op and only took them for about 3-4 days.

Hi Sura!!!  I took meds at hospital 3 days and then in rehab 7 more days.  They sent me home with oxycodone and i didnt take any at all!!!  It just made me itch.  I was very lucky to not really have a lot of pain.  I did have stiffness and doctor prescribed flexirol.  He prescribe 30 tablets and advised me to take only at night. Being almost 12 weeks post op, i can tell you i still have 14 pills left.  So, I only took them on really bad days where i thought i might have trouble at night. 

Ginny