Question about Morphine???

Hello, This is my first posting. I have finished all my pre-ops and am currently awaiting approval from my insurance carrier (Cigna Pos). I have a date from my surgeon for surgery (August 22.. Yehawww). I have been researching this surgery for months and have read over 100 profiles on OH. I am so greatful for everyone's experiences, they have helped me with all my questions about the surgery. I just wanted to ask how the Morphine affected everyone??? If given the choice would you have taken another pain med? I am a bit nervous about the morphine, it seems a bit extreme, is the pain after sugery that bad. Please explain Thank you, Melissa

Melissa, I didn't have a morphine pump at all. I was given demoral (spelling) shots when I needed them. I am very allergic to codeine so the demoral worked great. I think I was able to control the pain because I would wait till I really needed it before I would ask for a shot. I know each person is different but it worked out perfectly for me. My nurses were so nice they would be like do you need a shot honey let us know! I had no problems with pain management at all like that. I had some pain of course but only needed shots in the hospital and not that often. I think my hysterectomy was much worse and my c-sections as far as pain goes. I just didn't think it was that bad and I was back at work in one week! I am so happy you have your date I hope your approval comes through real soon!

Melissa, I'm allergic to morphine so I had a demerol pain pain after my RNY. I used it a good bit the first night. I was in some pain from the gas, more so than the incisions. But I didn't use it hardly at all after my leak test on the the 2nd day. If your surgery is done laprosopically the pain for most folks is easily managed. I didn't even need to take Tylenol after I got home. One good thing about both morphine & demerol, they make most folks sleepy which helps get you through that first day or 2 when you're most apt to feel crummy. Good luck on your journey & hope you get good new from your insurance soon! Vickie J.

i hated that stuff.l... it made me see monkeys flying across the room... i thought i was playing cricket w/ alligators... and on top of all that... the nurses wanted me to walk LOL well try anyway ...... so after 2 days of be a nut case... they took it away... then all hell really broke lose... i got very suicudial...i had a plan and everything.... this may sound bad... but thank god i spiked a fever and they kept me an extra day cause who knows what i would have done... so i moved on to demoral and lived happy ever after... lex

I was taken off the morphine pump due to vomiting, but it was not the meds. It turned out I had a bowel obstruction. I was given demoral - which I loved. Due to my complications I was on pain meds for over 2 weeks. I thought the pain was extreme immediately after waking up. Much worse than I expected, but they do manage it once they get you set up with the pump. But, I have no idea what is normal. Dana P

The morphine, for me, was a great pain reliever. However, each time it was wearing off, I would get aggitated. When they took me off of the pump, I went thru withdrawals and had bad dreams and hallucinations. This is a reaction "some" people have. Everyone is different. There are other pain relievers, besides morphine, if you are afraid of the side effects. Discuss them with your surgeon. You and he can make the best decision for you BEFORE surgery.

Thanks to everyone for your responses. I appreciate your time and feedback. MeL

morphine is the drug of choice post op for pain relief. Its quick working and clean. It deals with the intensity needed for acute post op pain . Remember, most people have no allergic reactions or sensitivity. You are only on it for a short time, so there is not a chance of addiction. Working in the medical field, I'd encourage y ou to talk over your concerns with your doc. I wouldn't worry about the morphine if it doesn't work for you they will find something else. Remember, people may be reacting to the anesthesia or other things going on in their body, and not the morphine specifically. Hope this helps. Blessings, Tami

I had the morphine pump available for the first 24 hrs after surgery. I managed it myself. After that, I didn't need any pain RX at all. But like everything else....everyone's pain tolerance is different. I would express your questions to your surgeon and see if anything else is available if you are still concerned. luvitsunnyv