I still need my Vicodin!!

Although its been five days since I had my RNY, I find myself needing to take vicodin for pain.  I try to walk it out but it hurts really really bad.  Once I take the vicodin, I walk more and I can take off and put on my clothes without assistance.  I'm not becoming addictive but I have read from previous messages that some of you stop taking the pain meds within a week and here I am still needing it.  My sites were all glued so what could be my problem.  Oh, by the way, when I took my vicodin this morning I was able to pass my bowel movement since I was constipated.  Is anyone experiencing this or not??

We all have different levels of pain tolerance.  Some of these crazies here didn't take pain meds at all after surgery.  Me, I took every last drop of that liquid Loritab! 

You have to be careful that you don't get constipated when taking pain meds for more than a few days.  Once you get backed up, it can be very hard to get regular again.

How much did your surgeon give you?  I would give it a few more days, and in those days make sure that you are resting and not pushing yourself.  I felt good after taking the meds, and then did way too much because I felt good.  When the meds wore off, I felt really sore, especially at my incision site.  

So, IMO, wait a few more days and see how you are feeling.  You should be able to get dressed by yourself and do light activity without pain meds by then.  If you can't, you can always call your doc and see what they recommend.

PS-this is just one of a million things that you are going to find is different from other people.  You'll have to figure out what is "normal" for you.

I actually ended up getting a refill on my Liquid Lortab.  My back was killing me after laying in that hospital bed for 3 days.  I was like you I just felt better when I took it.

How in the world did you get to stay 3 days? I was in for 24 hours and personally I feel that is way to quick!

Hi-
I had to stay for three days because my heart rate was high.  Did you have your surgewry at St. John oakland?  24 hours is too quick!

Hey Laura,
What was your experience @ St. John like?  I think I'm going in December and have no idea what the hospital is like!

I had a positive experience at St. John.  The staff were all nice and helpful.

As others have told you, everyone is different. I wound up getting a refill too until I could get back on pills ... but then I have a bad back and bad knees and take vicodin for those (still do). It's not consider addictive if you don't take more than needed and if you take it for something other than the pain. If you're medicating to get high, then you have a problem, but I don't see that. You should manage your pain.

It can be constipating, though ... if you have problems with that, talk to your doctor about using something like Benefiber in your liquids.

Kerri, How are you doing now? I saw my Dr. on Fri 1 week post op and still have pain on leftside, She suggested a heatingpad since she said that is where they do all the cutting and stapling. It' has helped alot.Still doing GasX when pain medicine doesn't help.