Seeking opinions about PCAs

[DianeC]

I am having my RTHR on May 27. The nurse who spoke to us at the hip replacement class said we could request a pump so we could self-medicate for pain if we wanted one. My question is do I want this or not?

Thanks,
Diane

 

[Jamie]

Re: Seeking opinions

Absolutely, positively, emphatically......YES!!! It helps so much in your pain management.

 

[T-Mike]

Re: Seeking opinions

Jaimie - so what are you trying to say? lol

 

[Jamie]

Re: Seeking opinions

Guess you figured out I'm a HUGE fan of pain pumps or morphine drips after surgery. It just makes things sooooo much easier for those first few days. I may be just a little over the top...do you think???

 

[DianeC]

Re: Seeking opinions

Thanks Jamie.

Diane

 

[Troweltalk]

Re: Seeking opinions

They didn't bother to ask me, they just gave me one and showed me how to use it when I got back to a room. Its regulated so you can't give yourself too much too soon, so why not?

 

[T-Mike]

Re: Seeking opinions

Jaimie, not over the top at all. The more comfortable you can be, the better it is for everyone.
I was never offered a pump. The nurses simply brought me pills every 4 hours or so. I think I got cheated!

 

[Scott]

Re: Seeking opinions

Jaimie, not over the top at all. The more comfortable you can be, the better it is for everyone.
I was never offered a pump. The nurses simply brought me pills every 4 hours or so. I think I got cheated!

Ditto. I feel like I missed out. I did get morphine a few times though when the pills weren't working well. I would so love to have some of that at home. The sleep is fantastic.

 

[Laurie]

Re: Seeking opinions

I had the pump and it was great because it gave you a feeling of having some control over your own recovery. I did use it some during the 3 days but also appreciated not having the meds forced as I tended to get very nauseous and head achy from the stuff.

No down side from my point of view.
Laurie

 

[webbie73]

Re: Seeking opinions

A huge YES! Pain control will make your recovery go smoother. I had the pump and did not use it all the time but boy it sure was nice when I had to hit it in the middle of the night.

Kathy

 

[hurtingbuthopeful]

Re: Seeking opinions

Pumps are the way to go.. Laurie is right, it give you a sense of control over your pain.

 

[Judles]

Re: Seeking opinions

You sensing a concensus here? Why wouldn't you want it? I'm surprised that most of the fellas weren't offered that option! Hmmmmmm.....I wonder why!

 

[metalnikki]

Re: Seeking opinions

Hi
I would totally recommend a pump for pain relief! You can ensure you are painfree without having to wait for the nurses to bring your meds, and as has been said you have control over when you have your pain relief.
Nikki

 

[Judles]

Re: Seeking opinions

And don't forget.....these pumps are set that they only put out so much pain relief....the machine IS regulated so you don't have to worry that you will become addicted in any way! But it is sure comforting to have tht feeling that you have some control of your pain!

 

[JudyS]

Re: Seeking opinions

Go for the pump. You control it, if you don't want the meds don't push the little button!!!! No waiting for the nurses to get you pain meds when you need them, the result is instant.
Yes
judy

 

[Jamie]

Re: Seeking opinions

Jaimie, not over the top at all. The more comfortable you can be, the better it is for everyone.
I was never offered a pump. The nurses simply brought me pills every 4 hours or so. I think I got cheated!

Bummer, T-Mike and Scott!!! You WERE cheated. Next time (if there is one), you'll be a lot wiser, huh! It always amazes me, but some hospitals make you ASK for the pumps.....like most people have a clue about that if this is their first surgery!

 

[JudyS]

Re: Seeking opinions

Jamie at my pre op replacement class, my doc was the only surgeon who used one. They kept asking who had Dr. Dietrick and gave me a brochure first for pain pumps, then for the recirculating blood. I just announced to everyone that they should switch docs fast!!!!
judy

 

[Jamie]

Re: Seeking opinions

LOL, Judy......yes, sounds like you had the best doctor!!!

 

[oldbones]

Re: Seeking opinions

My first hip was a Birmingham and it's a surgery that involves more tendon and muscle releasing than a regular THR. I didn't have a PCA for that surgery and I Was MISERABLE!! With my revision in January to a THR I had a PCA and it makes all the difference in the world and as far as I'm concerned the only way to go. Oldbones

 

[Josephine]

Re: Seeking opinions

I am puzzled as to why she told you it could be requested. Most anaesthetists I know of choose whether to send a patient back with a PCA. And it's a great means of treatment. The name means Patient Controlled Analgesia which means the administration of the morphine is under your control and you don't have to call a nurse and then wait while she goes and gets the keys to the cupboard, finds someone to check the drug with her and then comes to you to give a big slug which makes you dozy and out of it! Instead, you are able to get a small dose which then locks the machine for 5 minutes until you are due the next dose. This way you have instant pain relief and yet remain mostly alert. Because of the way the machine is programmed it is impossible for you to overdose yourself. It's by far the most effective and the safest method of pain control on the first post-op night.

And trust me, there is NO - I repeat NO danger of anyone getting 'addicted' to morphine during the short period of their hospital stay. Don't even mention it!