Knee #2 on Monday

[grclark50]

Hello,
I had a LTKR on 16 Mar with very minor concern other than some swelling now and then. Went back to work on day 21.

Question is I am having the RTKR on Monday April 13. I am not so concerned with getting around, I walk fine but I am still taking NORCO/Tylenol pain pills and wonder how or if I should take pain pills prior to the operation of the RTKR on Monday. Suppose to be no food or water 12 hrs prior to surgery.

Anyone had to deal with this situation? Also how long after surgery do most people take pain pills?

Thaks
GRC

 

[Judles]

Best you should ask your surgeon! Best of Good Luck on your surgery! . Let us know how you do on the other side!!!

 

[ship4]

I had to be off all Tylenol and other Nsaids for a week prior to surgery........
I was on pain medication for almost 3 months. I had BTKR.
Good luck with your surgery!
Best,
Crystal

 

[Jamie]

I would think they would want you off all meds except those absolutely necessary (blood pressure, heart pills). You really need to check with your surgeon's office. Give them a call on Monday.

As for how long people remain on pain meds....well, it depends. You should stay on them as long as you have pain. Most people seem to take them for at least 2-3 months following surgery - sometimes switching to NSAIDS from prescription pain meds somewhere in there. You may need to take them periodically (for those times when you do more than you should and then hurt) for a long time following. It's a very individual thing. Just don't stop them before you are ready and don't drive if you are taking prescription pain medication.

 

[Josephine]

I was asked to stop pain pills when I started fasting which was 6 hours pre-op. Some prefer it to be a bit longer though. The problem (if there is one) is more for the anaesthetist than the surgeon, anyway.

As for stopping them, as Jamie says, take them as long as you have pain. But there's no need to stay on the same prescription ones all the time, though. I started on Tramadol 150mrs and paracetamol 1G but am gradually reducing the trams. Today I got them down to 50 and perhaps next week, if I can, I shall hope to be stopping them altogether and just have paracetamol which is excellent for bone and muscle pain. Then if I need something extra, I'll top it up with ibuprofen. It's just a question of trying things and see how they work. But never, ever feel there's an arbitrary cut off point at which you must stop taking them. It's purely down to your pain levels - nothing more and certainly not anyone else's opinion, not even your doctor's!

 

[Grandma]

I was told to stop taking any pain or Nsaids a week prior to my surgery. I was, however, allowed to take other meds with a sip of water the day of surgery.

I totally agree with you Jo but my doctor wants me off prescription pain meds now. Even though I'm at the 12 week mark I still have quite a bit of swelling and pain, perhaps because of the problems I had with my incision.

How does one go about 'making' a doctor continue to prescribe pain pills???

Diane

 

[Josephine]

Question is I am having the RTKR on Monday April 13. I am not so concerned with getting around, I walk fine but I am still taking NORCO/Tylenol pain pills and wonder how or if I should take pain pills prior to the operation of the RTKR on Monday. Suppose to be no food or water 12 hrs prior to surgery.

Ach! I missed this bit of your post, gr. Sorry about that. In the UK the anaesthetists permit a mouthful of water to take pills up to 4 hrs before surgery. 4hrs has always been the benchmark for pre-op fasting but it's been a tradition to make it 12 hrs just to be double sure the patient hasn't sneeked something in! I suggest you speak with your surgeon and ask if you can do that as you're going to need pain killers at least twice within that 12 hr period.

Of course, it's Sunday now and your op is tomorrow. Is there anyway you can get a message through to him?

 

[grclark50]

Josephine,

I'll call the office and leave a message, ,maybe they will call back. I tried to go off pain pills last night and I finally had to give in this morning. I'll make sure they know when I took my last pain pill before I go in for surgery.

Certainly you would think this problem has come up prior. I am assuming many people have had the second operation while still on pain pills for the first operation.

Anyway, thanks to you and others for your advice ad response.

Happy Easter

GRC

 

[Jamie]

GRC, glad Jo was able to provide some better information for you. Hopefully your doctor will give you a call back. I agree with you that this must have come up before. You'll be in my prayers for a quick and successful surgery tomorrow!

 

[Linda2]

I'll be thinking about you tomorrow, along with Crash. Wishing you smooth sailing.