Doc is reducing pain meds LTKR 12/8

[Jamie]

When I had my TKR, I was on Coumadin for a heart issue so that is what I went back to after surgery. I was allowed to take Celebrex or Aleve with the Coumadin. I just had to be sure that whatever I was on, I took it regularly so they knew how to adjust my Coumadin dosage. It worked for me. But I certainly would not attempt to take any NSAID along with the Coumadin without first discussing it with your doctor.

During the 6 months or so I took either Aleve or Celebrex, I was able to maintain my blood levels in range and was tested on a 3-week schedule because I was stable.

 

[Nursepair]

I only had Coumadin for 2 weeks and no stockings. Each OS have their own ways I guess.

 

[julie]

When I went in to see my os 2 weeks post TKR, I asked for a refill of pain meds, he quickly told me if I were doing what I was supposed to be doing , I wouldn't even need pain meds!!!! I was shocked, he then called my PT & told him he wasn't doing my therapy hard enough. He did relent & gave me a script, but told me he didn't want to, so now I'm trying to stretch my meds, knowing his reaction to me needing another refill. omg, this can't be real!

 

[leenie60]

Wow - that's just absolutely wrong! My OS has indicated 3 months of pain meds and probably no additional scripts after that. I had my surgery on 12/10 so I'm 10 days ahead of you and wouldn't even think about not taking my meds at this point. Call someone else. That's total BS.

 

[Jamie]

Yes, Julie....unfortunately you have one of "those" surgeons who just doesn't grasp the pain involved after his work is done. Contact your GP immediately and work with him/her for your pain meds. You NEED them at this point!! If your GP gives you problems, then find a pain management clinic near you and make an appointment. Proper pain management is critical to your recovery.

And....don't allow yourself to be pressured into PT that is painful. It is counter productive and can actually slow your recovery. When you feel your therapist is pushing the pain limit, tell them to stop.

 

[Josephine]

he quickly told me if I were doing what I was supposed to be doing , I wouldn't even need pain meds!!!!

he then called my PT & told him he wasn't doing my therapy hard enough.

These two actions are completely contradictory and idiotic!

The first is so ridiculous I can't even begin to try and explain it! The second is .... just .... stupid; like he's trying to punish you for being in pain. I mean - how dare you be in pain? Don't you know he's the bestest surgeon there ever was and his patients just don't get pain afterwards? :th_DOH: :th_DOH: :th_DOH: :th_DOH: Jeese! What a bozo!

So please don't you be intimidated by him and don't let your PT do anything like that to you either.

Jamie's given you good alternative advise. I suggest you follow it and know that this recovery is in your hands and no-one else's.

 

[ginawhitmarsh]

Maybe your doc just wants you off the percoset. My OS will only let you have percoset for 2 weeks post op then you have to change to something else like Norco. I had a problem too with the pain meds beecause it said every 6 hours. I was dieing at about 4 hours. So I called and they said go ahead and move it up to every 4 hours. I sometimes think they mark the bottle for the longest time hoping that you can stand it.

I had a PE about 2 years ago. They were going to put a filter in at the time but decided because of my age medicine was the way to get rid of it. Apparently the filters can get infected and my doctor didnt want to take that chance because they are difficult to remove. He said if I was older they probably would of. But now every surgery I have......I have had 3 knee surgeries and 1 abdominal surgery since my PE..........I have to go on blood thinners to avoid a repeat of a blood clot. I have never been told I can not take antiinflammatories because of my PE. I have only been told no birth control pills or hormones when I start to go through the change.

 

[RestAssured]

Your doctor needs to have a knee replacement and then you can regulate his meds!:rolf: I think he would understand the meaning of pain then!

When I went to see my original OS he said "I can see you are still in a lot of pain." Has the specialist Dr. Maale prescribed any pain meds for you, and I told him "no." He quickly wrote out a script for Norco 10's. He even gave me a refill and said if I need more to come back. He told me he knew I did not abuse drugs and he was shocked that I hadn't been receiving any from Maale!