When can I Back Off on the Pain Meds?

[pallen]

What a great Forum. All my questions have been answered and following the recommendations I got here, I am doing much better. I just passed 5 weeks since surgery and I am walking with 1 crutch. My PT is going well. I am icing whenever I get the chance and taking my pain meds every 4 hours. I am not in much pain, except when I sit in a car or at my computer. When can I back off on the pain meds? Should I slowly increase the time between doses or is there another way to do that?

 

[brs0660]

Pallen I started backing off on pain meds as I got ready to go back to work AND start to drive. Kept my night pain meds for a long time. Went back to work at 6 weeks. Substituted tylenol for discomfort and took NSAIDS for infammation and swelling. Continued to ice to date as needed. Sounds like you are doing great..keep up the good work:thmb:

 

[Texas]

Thats what I would do. I know Jo has something on that but I'm sure Ill never find it...I would half whatever your taking for a few days and then half that...etc...Good luck sounds like your doing well. Take it easy thought be careful.....Keep posting....We are all pulling for you.....

 

[Josephine]

Short answer, back off as the pain backs off! You could start by increasing the time between, maybe missing out a dose here or there. Exchanging the narcotics for something over the counter like paracetamol and/or ibuprofen. Taking both those together is good at first. Keep up the ice in the meantime.

Basically you just need to test it out from time to time and see what works and what doesn't. There's no magical day. Some days if you're not doing too much, you may find you can go all day without. Another day you go out somewhere and find you need to go back a step. It's all trial and error.

 

[pallen]

Ok, I will try 6 hours between doses and see how it goes. I tried to back off at 3 weeks and I saw on the forums that it is recommended to take your meds every 4 hours, so I went back on the schedule. That was obviously too early. I would describe the amount of pain that I have as very light and sometimes none at all, so we will see how it goes.

 

[Judles]

Good luck, Pallen! Don't expect miracles at first though!

 

[Texas]

I hope you feel better soon Pallen. You will get there.....But dont sit in pain you have time......

 

[Josephine]

Ok, I will try 6 hours between doses and see how it goes. I tried to back off at 3 weeks and I saw on the forums that it is recommended to take your meds every 4 hours, so I went back on the schedule. That was obviously too early. I would describe the amount of pain that I have as very light and sometimes none at all, so we will see how it goes.

Well that tells me that you're spot on with the pain meds! Because they're working don't automatically assume that you won't ever have any pain any more. On the other hand, you might be one of the lucky ones and find your pain has gone earlier than most! Only time and careful experimentation will tell.

 

[pallen]

You are probably right Josephine. I think I will continue as I am for a couple more weeks. What is the hurry, right. I just don't like taking pills, but in this case it is necessary. Thanks for the help again, everyone.

 

[pallen]

On another subject, what is the rehab that I see people referring to? Is it something different than PT or is it the same thing?

 

[Texas]

Hey Pallen I think your doing great...True thought if you need it take it...It was a big surgery. You sound happy and feeling well...I am happy for you. I wish only good things for ya!!!! take care,...... PS keep us posted...Well some people go to an in patient rehab center after surgery for PT..Others might refer to PT and rehab....My ins wouldnt allow for in PT rehab...

 

[Judles]

Rehab is a facility that you can go after your surgery......for extended care in a hospital like setting. It includes occupational and physical therapy.

 

[pallen]

I have never heard anything about a facility like that in Canada. The only options that I had were to go home and get myself to a PT facility, or, go into a nursing home for a temporary stay. Since I am a care-giver for my wife who is not well, I decided it was best to go home. My son and daughter are helping out with as much as they can. It is going well now that I can get around better.