Six Days Later - Post Abdominoplasty

So I'm home, up and moving a bit, and back on the pain meds.  They make me loopy as hell but I get so damn sore when not taking them.  Obivously I miss ibuprofen (which would have been perfect for something like this) and Tylenol does pretty much crap.  

My gut looks like an extra in Tim Burton's next movie, but I can see through the swelling where things are going to be and I have no complaints.

How did most of you people do post-surgery?  Also, I do NOT have a drain which I am happy and a bit sore about...

Hi Brian. I guess I am lucky that the pain was more bearable for me as I took myself off the perscribed pain meds 3 days out and made do with Tyleno for 2 weeks after. I am 4 weeks post-op. You are lucky you didn't have a drain! I had 3 and still have 1 left in since my fluid levels are still too high to remove. The surgeon said I have probably been doing too much activity because of my lack of pain so I am really trying to scale it back....otherwise I fear this tube protruding out of me will attach itself and become part of my anatomy permanently. :P But hang in there, the first week was the roughest and I felt so much better after that.

Contact your weight loss surgeon.  New studies have shown that we can use NSAID therapy short term when taken with an acid reducer. 

Mine authorized me to use NSAIDS for arthritis flair up with acid reducer for up to 6 months.  (I have no history of ulcers).

You may be able to use ibuprofen for the short term for pain.

Just called and left a VM about ibuprofen.  I SOOOO wish I can use it.  Advil was my best friend pre-surgery.  

My PS worked closely with my bariatric surgeon and I took Motrin for 10 days.  I started to get an achy feeling in my stomach after 10 days and stopped.  It was very effective for me and a coordinated effort with my doctors.

I was very leery about taking it, but it worked for me.

Kay

Doc changed his mind and wanted me on Tramedol.  Read the risks and I'll just deal with the hydrocodone for now.  I'm down to two tabs a day, only when the pain is really bad, and otherwise walking minimally and resting.

All of the surgeon's in Costa Rica prescribed Tramedol, and all of the patients at the recovery ranch seemed to like it. I did hear some discussion of the dangers of taking it, but I did not see anyone who had a problem after taking it. I just used Liquid Tylenol, and that worked fine for me, but there's not much pain involved in a face lift.

I'm reading everything I can now about TT, because I'm scheduled for one in June. I have to say, I'm impressed that you've survived your surgery, being that you are a guy and that seems to be a huge disadvantage (since many men are huge babies, lol). Just kidding, of course. Hope your recovery continues to go well.

 Interesting...I give my German Shephard Tramadol for his pain from a torn ACL.

It's an older pain killer.  I'm willing to stay on the hydrocodone for the next few days instead of changing around.  I tried getting myself off the pain pills way too early, and paid for it.  I'm back on the pain pills for a few more days and I am so much more mobile with them than without.

 Yeah I don't blame you at all for going back on the pain meds. Your body can't heal properly if it is trying to cope with the pain at the same time. Good luck!!!