pain relief after total hip r replacement

Hi Dianne, i had my left hip resurfaced in October 2008 and whether it was the epidural or codeine I'd been taking i don't know but i had double vision.

I didn't take any pain killers after i got home from hospital and the double vision went after a week. I had a numb feeling in the little finger of my right hand and the one third one too, for months but it eventually went.

Hi Dianne, by week 2-3 I was just taking Paracetamol, I realised how much better I felt in myself as soon as I stopped stronger meds, I am now week 4-5 & taking Paracetamol occasionally when i feel I need it but not regularly, your body will tell you what you need, wishing you a speedy recovery

everyone has different needs and pain thresholds. I was off all opiods before I left hospital and used paracetamol for another week apart from the odd one or two, often at night if I had done a lot during the day.

i am 18 months post op and understand no two people or surgeries are the same. I believe I switched to TYLENOL sometime within the 1st week, reserving any opioid if needed at night, etc but don't remember using it. I learned after this being my first surgery except for a hysterectomy that the whole process just took time and patience was difficult! Today, I don't even know I have this foreign body in my hip & so thankful for modern technology! Rest, ICE & do the exercises the dr ordered. Don't overdo or you'll pay for it. Prayers you have a good recovery!

hi Diane...like you l am 6 days in with a left hip replacement....l am just taking paracetamol, as l felt so grotty on all the other opioids from hospital...l have been taking the odd ibuprofen inbetween, if it gets too much....the main thing l am suffering with is anxiety / depression ? l had a hip pinning go wrong prior to this and it has been 5 months of pain and worry....have you , or anyone else felt like this ??? l wish you a great recovery....

Hi Dianne,

No one can tell you when to reduce the painkillers, it is entirely up to you. I had no pain after op and did not need painkillers but the hospital are obsessed with taking them. The nurses kept asking my pain level I said zero, they still gave me oxycontin which made me feel sick and constipated. As I said only you know when to reduce/stop.

i took codeine and paracetamol regularly until I was no longer feeling any discomfort. There's no right answer, but don't leave yourself in pain, particularly at night as sleep and rest are so important for recovery.