Pain killers
Posted , 10 users are following.
I have had a LTHR on 6th September. I am taking paracetamol 4 times a day. when should you start to reduce them and at what stage do you stop taking any pain killers?
0 likes, 15 replies
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Notes on Pain killers
matthew12227 Annlewis21
Posted
You're still taking pain killers? I was only taking one or two Norco a day for the first week and then one a day after PT the second week. I stopped all pain killers between weeks 3 and 4. After that an occasional ibuprofen if I had discomfort but that was just handful of times. I'm at 1.5 years post op and haven't taken anything since I was about 20 weeks post op.
I'm not familiar with the drug you're taking. Is it a NSAI or an Opiate?
julie1717 matthew12227
Posted
sorry Matthew but a lot of how much pain people have depends on a) the approach of the surgery ie posterior v anterior b ) how bad your hip was ie how many years you've had the problem for and as a retired nurse I'd never question anyone for how they experience pain. it's very individualistic as well.
as to your question Annle I'd gradually tail them off ie try taking paracetamol 3 x a day ( every 8 hrs instead of 6 ) for a few days see how you feel then if uoure ok drop to 12 hrly ie x 2 a day then x 1 a day if you need them. another gd thing to try is to wait to take them ie dont take it religiously every 6 hrs but when you feel it getting sore. personally I think you take them while you still need them . Paracetamol is a very mild painkiller so theres generally no problem taking them long term unless you've liver problems.
no Matthew it's not an opioid or a NSAID drug but as I say a very mild pain killer which we in the uk can buy OTC but only in packs of 2 ( 32 tablets at a time due to people OD on them causing liver damage / death - standard dose is no more than 8 tablets a day for this reason )
matthew12227 julie1717
Posted
I didn't mean to come off that way. Coming from my perspective, my concern was taking opiates and getting hooked. An OTC pain medication probably doesn't fit that bill.
julie1717 matthew12227
Posted
at the end of the day you can get addicted to any drug but some have long term worse effects than others.i think the problem with forums is there can be a tendency to over emphasis or under how well or bad you did personally but we have to all remember we are here for advice or to encourage others in their recovery - well that's why I'm here and I'm 6 months post OP.
those on here who say they did very well and pain free quickly have to remember there are those who dont experience the same thing and imo they are the ones who need this forum the most and the positive advice others can give them.
as far as getting hooked on opiate drugs hopefully our medical system ie the NHS will highlight it as it's very difficult to get them prescribed and we have to have an annual medication review where you are quizzed as to why you need them. and post op when discharged we only tend to get given codeine as an opioid not any of the stronger opioids that we've had in hospital for that very reason.
anyway I wish you well
barnara40691 Annlewis21
Posted
i went on IBU AND ROTATED WITH EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL AFTER DAY 4.
hydrocodone and oxicodone made me really sick.
i guess when you don't have alot of pain. cut back if you can if it's an addictive drug.
good luck❤
Dana07 Annlewis21
Posted
I took pain killers for 2 weeks after the surgery (doubleTHR). If the pain is bearable, try to take one only when you go to sleep or to gradually reduce them.
Best wishes !
Annlewis21
Posted
thank you all for your comments. when i spoke to my consultant he said you can be on mild painkillers up to 12 weeks.
Great idea Julie, I will reduce them gradually and see how I get on.
yvonne02773 Annlewis21
Posted
There really is no hard and fast rule. Painkillers are important to allow you to exercise and move. Take whatever keeps you painfree. Sleep is also essential for recovery and if that means taking codeine to help you get through the night so be it.
Annlewis21 yvonne02773
Posted
thank you
eabill Annlewis21
Posted
Hi. My surgery was the 18th of sept. and I only used two oxycodones the first 2 days. Otherwise tylenol was the most I used. Get off that stuff, it's bad.
ptolemy Annlewis21
Posted
I stopped all pain killers after a week or so. I just felt I did not need them. Are you still having pain? Perhaps try reducing slowly and see if you still feel OK.
Annlewis21 ptolemy
Posted
im having a bit of discomfort
. i came off the codeine strong prescribed drug at 4 weeks . i will start to reduce the over the counter paracetamol now.
ptolemy Annlewis21
Posted
See how it goes, but don't let yourself suffer if you need the pain relief.
eabill Annlewis21
Posted
No pain from my left hip but on Monday when we had 10 inches of heavy wet snow in wny I overdid it and strained my back and right hip which also are loaded with arthritis. Dang, I should have listened and not over did it but my tractor got stuck and it was down hill from there. They say don't over do it. Listen, don't be a knuckle head like me. I am able to take care of our horses but I watch the snow and ice VERY carefully.
DO NOT SHOVEL SNOW!
Anne68156 Annlewis21
Posted
In the US it is called Tylenol. I can't remember when I stopped needing pain medication, but I came off it as soon as I could. If you are still experiencing some discomfort, I'm sure your doctor will want you to continue to take pain medication.