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Suggestions on Otc pain relief??

Posted , 7 users are following.

melissa34582
melissa34582

Hi Everyone!

Looking for pain recommendations over the counter. So I am 16 days post op LTKR. I am currently on Norco 10/325...I had right knee done in Oct so my surgeries were pretty close together. That being said I have been on opioids for quite sometime going from 1 knee to the next. I want to ween off these opioid now but of course still in hard pain..Anyone have any nonopiod pain relief they like that works well????? Also looking for reviews on a tens machine??? Does the machine relieve pain?? Is it for 2 week post op surgeries?? I'm seriously considering trying the tens machine but don t know much bout them. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Melissa

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • helen59197
    helen59197 melissa34582

    Posted

    I used (and I'm still using on occasion) 2 Aleve and 1 Extra Strength Tylenol. Worked well for me. Used the opioids only before physio to get me through. I'm four months post op on my second knee and I used this for both. You're early days yet so don't be too hasty to forgo them altogether as you need to be able to exercise. Best of Luck

    • melissa34582
      melissa34582 helen59197

      Posted

      Thanks Helen!

      I am currently using Motrin and have used Aleve in the past. Pretty much same result for me from both. Tylenol unfortunately does not help me.

      If I could I would keep the opioid for a while but my doc said this is last refill due to the length of time I been on them already. He wants me off now and on to a nonopioid med.

      Thanks!

      Melissa

  • dee53186
    dee53186 melissa34582

    Posted

    Hello Melissa. Are you currently taking a post op blood thinner i.e., warfarin/coumadin or aspirin? If so, products like Aleve, ibuprofen, Motrin can increase the effects of blood thinners. This is true of voltaren as well. If you are weaning off Norco be careful with acetaminophen because Norco contains acetaminophen. Check with your MD to see what they recommend just to be safe. There are also a lot of new options now with CBD products, biofreeze professional strength and herbal remedies. Wishing you continued healing!

    • melissa34582
      melissa34582 dee53186

      Posted

      Thanks Dee!

      I finished the blood thinner last week. My doc said I can do Aleve/ Motrin between Norco but said this is it for me. He wants me off the opioid. I wasn't sure bout the biofreeze because of my staples just coming out??? It's still healing. I like biofreeze I used it post op last knee. Thanks Dee!

      Melissa

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX melissa34582

    Posted

    The next step down from the HD opioids is Tramadol which is a very weak opioid and still RX in the US. After that, there's arthritis-strength Tylenol (acetaminophen, 625 mg x 2) and ibuprofen (800 mg RX strength) but comes in OTC lower dosages. Topical relief is available with Lidocaine patches and Aspercream with 4% Lidocaine. The best topical is Voltaren Gel (RX in the US but generic diclofenac elsewhere). Great at bedtime too.

    I got a cheap $25 TENS machine at Walmart and it seemed to do the job on the occasions I needed it. Some of the pro models can cost huge dollars for a temporary solution.

    • judi91383
      judi91383 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Hi--I have been looking at the OTC Aspercreme ... do you find that it is really helpful? My knee is very swollen at the moment because of my recent MUA and I would really like to try to bring the swelling down. I can't take ibuprofen or naproxen because of digestive sensitivities.

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX judi91383

      Posted

      The Aspercreme deals with pain; the diclofenac attacks inflammation.

    • melissa34582
      melissa34582 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Thanks Chico,

      I think I will give the tens machine a shot. Dicloflenac as well.

      Thanks!

      Melissa

  • 51fran
    51fran melissa34582

    Posted

    Hi,

    I had TKR in Oct. 2018, and can't take codeine,so my pain meds were very limited.

    I had great results with Aleve (take with food to protect tummy)...and took tylenol PM at bedtime. I was able to sleep well, and once I was feeling better, at about 6 weeks, I went to one Tylenol PM at bedtime. Good luck.

  • 51fran
    51fran melissa34582

    Posted

    Hi,

    I had TKR in Oct. 2018, and can't take codeine,so my pain meds were very limited.

    I had great results with Aleve (take with food to protect tummy)...and took tylenol PM at bedtime. I was able to sleep well, and once I was feeling better, at about 6 weeks, I went to one Tylenol PM at bedtime. Good luck.

  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 melissa34582

    Posted

    i used a TENS and it was helpful for me. not allowed direct recommendations of products on here but basically any one with four pads is best...they are not expensive . also reduce pain by other methods, i.e. use all the support you need i.e. crutches for walking and rest as well as icing and elevating your knee at least five times a day

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