Question:
PLEASE HELP!

I have totally screwed myself out of getting proper pain meds! I (without realizing the consequences) mentioned that I MAY be allergic to vicoden, because I had a panic attack while on it one time recently. I've always taken vicodin with no problems at all. NOW that I mentioned that, they asked me to go to an allergist to see if i am or not, and the Allergist says there IS NO test for that, that I'm basically just OUT OF LUCK. He recommeneded ULTRAM??? It's NOT a Narcotic, and I am just freaking out, now! I'm going to have terrible pain all because of a misunderstanding/???? Has anyone had Ultram? Does anyone know if I can sign a waiver that states I will not sue if something goes wrong, because I AM SURE I"M NOT ALLERGIC to Opiates???? :( I am having it at Bariatric Treatment Center on Dec. 3.    — Toni M. (posted on November 21, 2002)

November 21, 2002
I may be wrong, but I don't think vicodin is in the narcotic family of drugs..
   — barbara A.

November 21, 2002
I take Ultram for severe pain and find it very effective. There is still some debate over its classification and its "narcotic Like" effects. The hospitals have many alternative medications and I am sure they will not allow you to suffer. After my Open RYN the most effective thing they gave me was Toradol, which is non-narcotic but very good on post op pain. Don't worry, they will control your pain!
   — Linda 1.

November 21, 2002
I had a similar problem and told my surgeon that I could not take vicodin because I had a bad reaction when it was given to me by my dentist on a previous occasion. I got really sick on it. So he said okay and ended up putting me on percocet and it worked wonderfully. I had no problems with it at all.
   — Laurel C.

November 21, 2002
toni...i AM allergic to opiate derivitives & cannot take any of them. i cant even take percocet! BUT, i am not allergic to morphine because it is a 'pure form' narcotic. needless to say i am a space cadet on it, lolol, so i take it the day of surgery & the next day but then i am off it totally. no matter how bad my pain is, i refuse to use it more than 2 days. i then start tylenol which at least takes the edge off my pain & allows my brain to clear from its drug induced stupor. lol. good luck to u & god bless u.
   — sheryl titone

November 21, 2002
In response to everyone: I don't believe I'm allergic to vicodin. I've always taken it, and I've taken it more than the average person for lack of proper dental care and numerous trips to the ER because of severe dental pain. The way things are going now, I'm going to miss out on very good and effective pain control meds for major surgery, but will continue to get vicodin in any future trips to the ER. All because of this stupid misunderstanding, I'm going to have to pay for it...I don't think they'll even listen to me now, because once they see the word "allergic" on my chart, they have to protect themselves against any liability, but it's at my expense. Is there anything I can say that will clear this up? I feel like I just screwed myself out of a smoother recovery. :( :( :(
   — Toni M.

November 21, 2002
Please share your specific reaction to Vicodin to your surgeon. A true allergy reaction includes rash, shortness of breath, itching, and similar reactions which can be life threatening. Many people claim to be allergic when in reality they have an unpset tummy or dislike the side effects which can include a panic attack for some patients. If your doctor still denies a plan for postop pain medicine, please get a second opinion. Pain management is critical to healing both physically and emotionally. Plan ahead and suggest a trial of Vicodin while you will be able to spend 2 hours or so at the doctor's office or hospital for your preop testing or upon check in on the day of surgery and can be supervised just in case. Good luck and explore your options for pain management.
   — Cheryl W.

November 21, 2002
Is it just vicodin that you're allergic to? We used the same doc and everything. I was on either Demerol or Morphine in a PCA for the first two days. After that, I was taking Percocet in pill form. I left the hospital with an rx for Percocet. So, after my surgery, I didn't come anywhere near Vicodin.
   — Tiffany D.

November 21, 2002
I have taken Ultram and found it to be very effective. I have a bone disease that affects my hips and lower back. I can actually walk for a good distance when I am taking the Ultram. I found it to control pain very well. Give it a shot!! I think you will be pleased. Good Luck.
   — kimmarie68

November 21, 2002
Toni, Vicoden does NOTHING to me...I was on, get this, Tylenol w/ Codeine after the surgery (liquid)...it worked like a charm!
   — heathercross

November 21, 2002
Toni, I don't know if all BTC's are the same but I went to the one in Groveport Ohio and they give percocet and before that it is a morphine pump. Vicodin was never an option. Good Luck....see you on the other side. Peggy open rny 9/20 -54#'s
   — Peggy A.

November 22, 2002
Toni, relax, people that are allergic to opiates still have surgery and get adequate pain relief! I have a problem with arthritis medications and have taken ULTRAM with wonderful results. The biggest problem I have is that it makes me sleepy. I discussed this with my dotor at the time and he told me it was because it was a synthetic narcotic! I now take darvocet because I have no problems with that, vicodin gives me terrible headaches as does codiene! Your surgeon will be able to handle you pain management and if he can't there are pain management specialists in every hospital. Good luck. Relax. God Bless. <><
   — garnet156

November 22, 2002
I may be a brute for pain, but Ultram has worked quite well for me in the past. As a matter of fact, just a couple of Ultram put me out for hours. You shouldn't have any problem with it.
   — Rebekah B.

November 26, 2002
I'm sure that you will be given pain medication. It may not be Vicoden, which you seem to be pretty partial to. Some people think that a good pain medication has to be a narcotic, however it doesn't. I would personaly discourage anyone from using a Narcotic for pain management. It can leave you with some pretty bad side effects such as constipation and it's highly addictive. Furthermore, I believe in mind over matter. Best of luck!
   — Heather S.

December 10, 2002
Tony, Don't worry. I am very allergic to hydrocodone (the active ingredient in Vicodin). I was given a Morphine PCA for pain control. It was very effective. Also, what does an allergist know about pain control??
   — denaa

Click Here to Return