THR 2 yr update

[Mojo333]

I know I constantly questioned what was normal?
We never did this before...hope your nerves ease and all will get better very soon.

 

[tyorke1]

thanks Mo,

 

[tyorke1]

need some advice, I hate the pain meds, going to change a bit, currently 2 perks every 4-5hrs. thinking of 1 perk 1 tylenol every 5 hrs what do you think

 

[SaraK]

@tyorke1 - The first thing is making sure whatever you do stays ahead of the pain. It's harder to get rid of pain than to keep it away. The other thing is to make sure you don't overdo the Tylenol. I've heard recommendations of no more than 1000mg of Tylenol per dose and no more than 4000 mg of Tylenol in 24 hours, but can't say if those numbers are right. You could tag Josephine if you want to be sure. Each Percocet tablet has 325mg of Tylenol in it - the same as a regular strength Tylenol tablet so you'd get the same dose of Tylenol if you swapped out one for one with regular Tylenol. Where you'd need to be careful is if you needed to take a boost of Percocet for breakthrough pain because then you'd be increasing the amount of Tylenol and would need to make sure you're not taking too much.

 

[tyorke1]

thanks Sara, I am doing the math an keeping it under 4000mg. I really dislike the way perks make me feel, no question pain is more but only when Im doing stuff.

 

[SaraK]

There are also other alternatives that could be better for you but almost all will have some adverse effects. If you want to try something else, check with surgeon

 

[tyorke1]

i get staples out tue, ill ask him, even dropping during day to one perk 1 tylenol my head feels better but leg is in more pain for sure. as long i can do my exercises i can put up with the pain,

 

[Layla]

Hi @tyorke1
Please make sure you're not overdoing it with the exercises. That could be what's causing the pain.
At only 8 days out you shouldn't be doing much more than walking around the house for 5-10 mins every hour or two. Lots of rest, ice and elevation right now.
Take it slow and easy.
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/activity-progression-for-thrs.13187/
Wishing you a peaceful, relaxing weekend!

 

[Mojo333]

I transitioned from opiates to Tramadol and Tylenol.
Worked splendidly.

 

[tyorke1]

thanks Layla, im taking it easy, taking 2 perks before bed, 2 around 530 then my 10am or so meds 1 tylenol 1 perk same for rest of day.

 

[Tboom]

My percs have no Tylenol in them. Pure oxycodone. They only have Tylenol if the say apap on the bottle. I was talking 3 Tylenol, 1 oxycodone& 1 tramadol & 1 gabapentin when I came home from hospital. I quit taking the oxy and Tylenol 1st thing. Just tramadol and Gabapentin for me.

 

[SaraK]

@Tboom - then yours aren't technically "percs" - we were going off his name for the meds to assume they contain Tylenol. Brand name Percocet is Oxycodone with acetaminophen (the "cet") which is Tylenol and brand name Percodan is Oxycodone with aspirin. By his description, tyorke1 was already taking something with Tylenol and needed to take it into consideration in determining allowable dose of Tylenol. I find it interesting thwide range of pain management protocols by different doctors. In my case, same doctor but different protocols depending on whether inpatient or outpatient surgery (didn't get any oxycontin or gabapentin as outpatient).

 

[tyorke1]

for sure and big pain difference from 2 perks to 1 perk 1 tylenol. This morning was best feeling yet, still yellow coming from incision but no puss or any other signs of infection. still lots of fluid around leg, not down to knee yet . hard to know how many times to walk and what is too much, seems like a fine line. I read about weight gain I put on 5 in hospital and harfly ate or drank, I actually thought I was down in their until I went on a scale. This morning weight went down a pound and I ate well yesterday. Sleeping has been really good surprisingly. on back with head up a bit pillow under bad leg and not moving. the casket sleep!!

 

[MammaT]

Glad sleep is going so well and that incision is looking good. Amount of walking is a delicate balance. I wouldn’t worry much about weight at this point, just try to eat healthy to help you heal.

 

[Layla]

The casket sleep! Silly guy you are!
I know you're watching that incision but I guess I'm wondering what the
yellow discharge is, if it's not pus? No redness, or fever.....right?

It can take time for that fluid to travel down. Mine was like 17 days post op.
Some decent swelling and bruising around my knee occurred.
It's great to know you're sleeping well. The body does its best healing then
Have a great weekend!

 

[tyorke1]

incision looks good just yellow on dressing . going to cut meds even more ,I realized 4 days until I see dr and only 12 perks left.

 

[tyorke1]

today was fluid drain day, every 1.5 hrs dressing had to be changed .good part is I mostly cut out perks for tylenol , just trying to stay under the 4000mg is not that easy especially this early. sleep was not as good as expected . just got to keep saying it's worth it lol

 

[MammaT]

It is worth it, but keep on top of pain management. I didn’t like pills either, but they did assist with movement and rest-especially at night.

 

[Layla]

Hi @tyorke1
Hope the sleep improves.

About the drainage you mentioned....what is it that's draining from your incision and in what
amount is this drainage occurring that the dressing needs to be changed every 1.5 hrs?

Please use extreme caution in keeping the area clean / sterile. Always changing the dressing with clean hands.

Do you have a visiting nurse who can check it....or are you scheduled to see your OS soon?

Not trying to alarm you but want you to be careful and know the signs of infection:
Yellow or green discharge
Odor in the discharge
Redness in the area
Increasing pain
Fever
Heat

 

[tyorke1]

thanks Layla, mostly pink now, yes coming from incision., I see dr in 2 days, little bit of yellow, no smell, no odour, it is slowing ,