Question:
Has anyone had to have demerol instead of morphine?

Since I have allergic reaction to morphine, demerol has been prescribed to me when I have had other surgeries in the past. I'm wondering if anyone has been prescribed Demerol for any of the WLS. If so was is affective for this level of pain post-op?    — Mary S. (posted on July 23, 2000)

July 22, 2000
I had Demerol following my lap RNY in March. I also have a sensitivity to Morphine, and have had Demerol with each of my prior surgeries...all of which were more "major" than the lap RNY in terms of the incision and post-op recovery periods. I think that it will be a very effective drug for you regardless of the type of procedure you're planning. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

July 23, 2000
Hi Mary, I had a "demoral" pump instead of the usual morphine pump following my surgery. I'm not sure if it was the "pump" or the actual medication but, unfortunately, it didn't work to control the pain. I was started on Delaudin (sp?) injections and, needless to say, that's pretty much all that I can remember...
   — cj T.

July 23, 2000
I also have an allergy to MSO4. I had no problem with my PCA Demeral. Pain was more than adequatley controlled. I was out of recovery by 3pm and wlking in the hall at 630pm. I used it for about 36 hours post op then switched to 5ml of liquid percocet for about 4 more days.
   — MARY E.

July 23, 2000
Mary, I'm also allergic to morphine so I too had the demoral pump following my open RNY. I was so out of it I could'nt even use the pump. After the second day, my B/P dropped so low, and I became very nauseated. They figured it was from the demerol, so they pulled me off of it and gave me half of a percoset. From then on, I only had 1 tylenol for the 3 1/2 hr. drive home from the hospital. the Dr. did'nt send me home with a RX for pain. Once at home, my head cleared and I recovered quickley. Needless to say, I'm super sensitive to pain meds, so I do much better without them. Your body will let you know. Good Luck!
   — Dani J.

July 23, 2000
I am not allergic to morphine, but was given Demerol in the hospital. I think that's just what my surgeon uses... no idea why. However, my pain was controlled very well with the Demerol. I had the pca or Patient controlled analgesia(?). The nurses kept telling me I could be using quite a lot more than I was, but I was really using all I needed. I had an open rny distal with gall bladder removal on April 13th.
   — Kathy W.

July 25, 2000
I had demeral after my surgery. It works very well until it begins to wear off, just like any other type of medication. Hope this helps you out.
   — Barbara P.