Pain meds/ surgery and what has others had to do........

Hi there, I am interested in finding some info on changing pain meds before my surgery. My surgeon said he was gonna work with me to try and help me get off it after surgery but prior he suggested phentenol patches. Has anyone used them? I did see that time release meds do not work after surgery due to absorbtion problems. I would love to hear what others have done in preperation for surgery. I have been on oxycontin due to a back injury for nearly two years. I an concerned I will have severe pain after surgery if I dont find a solution before surgery. Lisa

Hello Lisa, My surgeon prescribed tylenol with codeine liquid form for the pain. Most surgeons have different techniques. You should check with your doctor to see what they think would be best for you. The liquid does absorb quicker and is easier to tolerate. Good luck Hugs KimC

Thanks Kim, I did talk to my surgeon and he recommended Phentenol patches but I wanted to seek out others opinions on what type of liquid meds they had been on. I called the pharmacy tonight and found out they do have a liquid form of oxycontin. I want to get off of it all together at some point but I know it will be some time before I am able to get rid of it all together. I am hoping the weightloss will help my back problem but surgery on my back might be what i need once I loss some weight. They wont touch me right now. They say my weight will make any back surgery less effective. Could make me worse instead of better. Well I am hoping to be on the losing side soon. I talked to my surgeons office yesterday and they are looking at the last week of August. I am excited and eager to get this over with. I have one more test next week. How are you doing with your journey. I read your page and found a lot of your information helpful. I appreciate all you have shared. Lisa

Your very welcome Lisa, Anytime you have a question or need to talk don't hesitate to contact me at anytime. I am a good listener and a good shoulder. I am doing fine, thank you for asking, I had a root canal yesterday, but I am doing much better. I have lost 95lbs so far, its been almost 8 months since my surgery. I still can't believe how fast it has gone by and how well I am doing. I feel like a totally different person. You will see, when your on your journey to the losing side how fantastic it feels and how happy you will be. I am doing things I have not done for many, many years and enjoying my life so much and my family too. Remember take it day by day and don't rush things. Keep positive and listen to your surgeon. Advice from others is great, but sometimes its not always right. Good luck and God Bless KimC

You will find that the back pain is different than the post-op surgical pain. Weight loss will reduce your pain lever, but may not eliminate it. Have you checked with a painmanagement clinic, like the one at Baccis Hospital out your way? They may be able to offer real time suggestions that would help you. Peter

Thanks Peter for your suggestion. I have been out of work since I was involved in a car accident 2 years ago. I had head, back, neck and knee injurues. I have been on pain meds for all that time. I am choosing gastric bypass surgery now because I am at the point of trying everything possible to fix my physical problems. I have gone to the pain clinic at Lawerence and had steroid injections 9 times. I have had both physical and aqua therapy and I am currently going to a chiropractor. I am trying every option before surgery to alleviate some of my pain. The doctors at this point have said my weight is standing int he way of my recovery. I had the wieght before the accident and no physical problems pre accident. My life has taken a dive since the accident and taking off the weight will decrease the pressure on my back and knees. The two problems which are affecting my mobility. The doctors have been very supportive of my choice to have gastric bypass. I am hoping some of my pain will dissappear but I am not unrealistic. It may take away some of the pressure but not fix the ultimate problem. Lisa