How long should I need pain meds?

I am 3 weeks out and still have stomach pain. I probably don't rest as much as I should, but I get very antsy trying to lay around. Is anyone else still on pain meds? My surgery date was 12-27. Kim

Kim, I had surgery on the same day as you. I have only used 1 percocet since January 4th. Where is your stomach pain, and what does it feel like? The only time I hurt is when my pouch doesn't like something. That is other than the G tube that was removed today, now that hurt. When do you followup with your surgeon? My three week followup was today. Sherr

Hi Kim, My surgery was on the 28th... I sort of weaned myself off the pain medication. The first few days I took it every 6 hours or so but after that, I would take half doses and spread them out longer and longer. Then I just used tylonol and then nothing at all. I was probably on them total for about a week or so total.

Kim, I was sent home with Liquid Lor-Tabs and tried to wean myself off it by the second week. I just didn't liike the way I felt after taking it. I made me jittery and I couldn't sleep. I went to regular extra-strength Tylenol for aches and pains. I would discuss this with your surgeon because everyone is different. Chauncine

Hi My surgery was 12-13-05 and I stopped taking the pain medication (percocet) by 12-22-05. I still had quite a bit of pain and used tylenol for at least another week. I think every one is differnt as far as pain goes. I have read many posts and they seem to run the gamet(sp?). I realy think I was in a lot of pain for a long time and yet others say they felt fine after only a few days. I still have some discomfort but can sleep on my side and went back to work ect. I still can't tolerate any pressure on my stomach, not even the slightest bit so much of the time I don't zip my pants all the way even though they are not "tight". Well hope you are feeling better soon Madeline

Kim, Congrats on your surgery date. You and I were on the same day. About the pain meds. I was unsure of when I was going home, so I used my pca pump right up until I was released from the hospital. (literally) Then, I was given a prescription for liquid Lortab. I got it filled and used it for the first couple of days as it was prescribed. On maybe day five I was done with it all together. I did start having some pain early last week, but I think that was b/c I went back to work way to early. I also think everyone is different, some people come home and do not need anything at all. (warriors) Then some use it often, and some all the time. I was very concerned about becoming dependant on the meds. I would say if you need it take it, and take it until you do not need it anymore. I know its hard to rest, but please also do that as much as you can. Melissa

I think that I started doing too much too soon, as well. Today my stomach is a bt swollen and the sides of my incision just ache really bad. I will call my surgeon on Monday. I haven't wanted to bother him, but it sounds like I shouldn't be hurting everyday. Thanks to all *****plied! Kim