HughScot
member
Hi Hugh
No I'm not using a CPM machine we don't have access to them in the UK sometimes you can get them at your PT appointments but it isn't worth as you are only allowed 30 minutes sessions each time.I ice lots after and before my physio I use gel packs so I use them until they are no longer cold and then try moist heat if the pain is still the same.
My surgeon said to just take more meds but like you the side effect of this is terrible constipation I have upped my Oramorph but that makes me feel lousy but rather that than the pain!
Thankyou for the support xx
Natalie,
This is a terrible subject but one I will tackle. I have never used Oramorph and after seeing it is a suppository I don't think I will. I was not familiar with the constipation caused by pain meds of the narcotic variety so I started taking them without a stool softener or laxative and the pain was like passing a sharp edged brick (one lady on here said concrete). It was the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life. The woman who said concrete, has had two children and she said it was far worse for her. Needless to say I started taking both a softener and a laxative and after three days of hell I got ok. But I'm now taking more of the pain killer and that seems to be having an adverse reaction on the constipation........damned if you do and damned if you don't.
As to the CPM not being available in the UK, that is a real shame. You only use it during the first two to three weeks after surgery. The purpose is not to make you strong as it offers no resistance, but when you come out of the hospital it would be hard to move your leg back and forth for six hours a day. So the CPM does it for you. It works great, I went from a ROM of 55 degrees to 135 degrees in ten days. The PT is for building up the muscle and strength in your leg.
Hope you got my email this morning ok. Take care and think positive.
Hugh