THR Crash and burn

[Josephine]

Well you've not developed a tolerance, you're just not taking enough. It's not at all uncommon for people to fall into this trap. Stop trying to figure out what it is and worrying because you can't. Just take your meds and more often. Your prescription will tell you exactly what you should be taking so take it to the max. Did your doctor prescribe the Tramadol as well as the oxycontin and the oxycodone? How exactly has each been prescribed - meaning what does it say on the pharmacist's label? You need to get yourself on a decent regimen.

 

[lncrwley]

I will admit that the tramadol was my idea. They did it in the hospital so I know it was ok to mix, there wouldn't be a life threatening reaction. The oxycontin says 1 pill every 12 hours and I have been sticking to it. The oxycodone says 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. He gave me enough oxycodone for 2 tablets 4 times a day but sometimes I'm up at 2 or 4 am with pain and I take some then. Now, I don't have enough to get me to the refill appointment so I've been supplementing with the tramadol. I was on a decent regimen or at least I thought so, until I figured out that taking the oxycodone more than 4 times a day will short me.

 

[Josephine]

None of those have Tylenol in them do they? (acetaminophen) If they don't, you could also try taking 1,000 mgs with the Tramadol. I suggest you try this regimen:
1. take the oxycontin twice a day as prescribed
2. take 1 oxycodone 4hrly during the day as prescribed
3. then at night, take 100mg Tramadol with 1,000mg Tylenol

 

[Poppet]

That sounds like an excellent plan from Jo, Lynne

 

[lncrwley]

Thank you Jo! I will give it a try starting tomorrow. I have to go get some tylenol. That's something that I've never kept in the house. I've always used ibuprofen.

 

[Poppet]

Hi Lynne, hope it helps

 

[lncrwley]

I have another question. I read somewhere on here something about the psychological effects of the surgery. Some people will cry and some will get depressed or something along those lines. I looked to see if I could find it but didn't have any luck. How long does that last? I have ALWAYS been a very stoic person but since the last surgery, I have been a mess.

 

[Poppet]

Hi Lynne

Anxiety and or depression can be experienced at various times post operatively (immediately or even months later). The intensity can be mild or major and is often caused in the first place by:

the after effects of anesthesia (anesthesia seems to bring out our sensitive sides and our anxiety)
medications
post-surgical traumatic stress syndrome
constipation from the medications
and a general sense of disarray.

Plus being instructed to stay in bed and restricted to low impact activities, doesn't make things any better. Throw on top of that that you are all bruised up and sore. Well, no wonder we feel down and we should give ourselves permission to feel our "blues"..

That Period of Feeling "Let Down" Often depression can be that the adrenaline period is now over, also known as the "Surgical Let Down Period."

Our surgical experience sends waves of emotional and physical disruption through every aspect of our lives. Feelings of our mortality, of loss and of vulnerability can be profound. Pain and sleep deprivation also causes depression and anxiety. Uncertainty about our future or lack of understanding from people close to us can contribute.

Recognizing it is often liberating.

Hang in there Lynne, come and vent if you want, try not to bottle it up... You know we are good listeners and most of us have and are experiencing the "blues" at various times, even 9+ months it gets me

Sending ((( hugs ))) xoxoxox

 

[rider1960]

Hi Lynne, I'm so sorry you are having so many problems during your recovery. No wonder you feel emotional!!! You have very good reason to be. I've been more emotional with this hip than the first one because of the hip flexor tear complication and my back acting up on that side. I'll be feeling good for a few days, then all the sudden I'm emotional and have no idea why. My advice would be to just go with the flow and accept the emotions for what they are. It's all part of the healing process.

Take care,

Dorothy

 

[VThereandnow]

Holy moly batman, you sure have been through the wringer. I just got done reading your thread. No wonder you are struggling emotionally. You have been through a heck of a lot. I sure hope things start turning around for you. I am sending healing energy your way. Cathy

 

[Elle11]

Hey there Lynne,
Just want to add to what others have said: when the body feels assulted, it is not unusual to have such emotional rollar coasters.
As Sandy said, recognizing this is part of the healing process.
Be very gentle with yourself.
Here are healing hugs,
Elle

 

[Jaycey]

Hi Lynne, here's a thread for you on the blues - Post Op blues is a reality..... Happens to us all and the good news is that it will move on very soon. Hope you are feeling better!

 

[rider1960]

Lynne, I was having trouble remembering the course of your complications (there have been so many, you poor thing!) ... and I just want to say that I'm amazed that you have been able to get this far without going insane ... let along getting emotional here and there. My heart goes out to you! I hope things turn around very soon and you can feel better.

Dorothy

 

[lncrwley]

Thank you for all your responses. I have been doing a bit of thinking and sorting out of what I have been feeling. I think for the most part it's just mostly anger and fear. I need to figure out what I'm going to do with it.
I tried following Jo's advise on taking the tramadol with 1000 mg of tylenol at bedtime. The tramadol gave me insomnia big time. The only up side of that is that I busted my 17 yr old daughter breaking curfew. She was supposed to be home no later than midnight and it was 12:30 when I came out of my room and noticed she wasn't in yet.
I can't wait until I'm done raising my kids so I can move onto the next phase of my life.

 

[debkakes]

Just want to say, Lynne, try to keep remembering that you are healing, from several things. It's so disappointing that it doesn't happen in the time we want it! At 12 weeks I'm still struggling with days of set-backs from too strenuous PT, walking too much unaided, sleeping funny, etc. With your complications, it's much harder to keep up your spirits, so keep coming here and telling us about it! Some of the emotional roller coaster is from the meds, too. It ALL will pass, with time, precious time! Sorry about your 17 year old I was a total pill at that age, just awful! Good luck!!

 

[lncrwley]

I just hope she takes on her father's side because if she takes on mine, I'm in deep trouble!!! I was into many things when I was 17! Thank God she's my last out of 5 kids. It feels like I've been raising kids forever but it's only been 29 years. I still have her, my 19 yr old son and my 25 yr old son with my grandson and girlfriend. Having my 25 yr old, his girlfriend and my grandson living here has put me over the edge. I can't take much more of it!! I love my grandson to pieces but enough is enough. I want an empty house or at least peace and quiet.
I have an appointment with my OS on the 24th of September. The last time I went to see him, he told me that I would hate his guts for at least 4 months... so far he's partially right. What I wouldn't give to give him a good WHACK with my cane across his butt!!!!!
I have PT tomorrow. I'm going to ask him about a spot on my hip that hurts. It's been like that for 3 days now. It feels almost like when I had tendonitis in my elbow except now it's in my hip. I hope I just pulled something....

 

[debkakes]

Wow, 29 years of raising kids sounds AMAZING to me (child-free)! We're basically the same age, Lynne, and yah, those were the crazy years of the early and mid-70's. I hope that you get some "you" time soon -- it's good to help out the kids but but but I am sort of in a constant state of some pain from PT and walking without the cane, but I feel that it is good pain. Good luck with your PT appointment: my hydro therapy on Friday knocked me flat for two days. But on the third day, I felt GREAT and even better today! (By the way, check you date on your "patch job" in signature -- somewhere around magna carta!)

 

[Poppet]

I am impressed... 5 children, 29 years... You are a great Mum

 

[Suki]

Lynne,

You made me laugh. My mom had kids in the house for 35 years. My eldest brother was 17 years older than me...I remember my dad once lamenting he wished we had enough luggage for one or two of us to runaway! You will, even though you don't believe it now, look back fondly on these many years, and maybe even wish for the years that now seem so hard.

I wish you all the best
Suki

 

[limpingaround]

Lynne, I'm sorry to hear you're in so much pain. I feel silly complaining about my situation. It's nothing compared to what you've experienced. I hope everything works ok. There are some very smart ladies managing this board and I bet they can give you some good advice. The posts I've read thus far have provided me with answers so when I asked my OS, I knew what he was going to say and guess what, he said it. It really put me at ease. Good luck and I'll be looking for your posts detailing your progress.