Question:
Pain control after surgery

I have FMS as well as narcolepsy and was recently diagnosed with erosive esophagitis. One of the unpleasant symptoms of narcolepsy is hypnagognic hallucinations - basically nightmares when you are drowsy, that tend to pull in things around you as part of the dream. I found out in the past that the morphine pump causes terrible hallucinations for me. For example I repeatedly became convinced that the pump to prevent clots on my legs was an octopus that was trying to drown me. Many other pain medicines cause a similar reaction. Because of the reflux and esophagus problems, I am not supposed to take any NSAIDS. I also have muscle spasms that require muscle relaxers. A lot of my pain control now is via regular chiropractor visits, the use of an herb called feverfew for migraines, and just grinning and bearing it. I'm somewhat concerned due to the timing of my surgery, which is prior to what is usually the worst month of the year for me. I go downhill from Thanksgiving till Valentine's day as the weather gets colder and wetter and then pick up through March and usually feel good in April. How severe is the post-surgery pain compared to normal "bad" FMS days? Have you had any lingering new pains from the surgery? If you visit a chiropractor, how soon after surgery have you been able to go back? I'm hoping my lower back and leg pain improves enough to offset the effects of the RNY.    — Joyce L. (posted on December 22, 1999)

Sorry, no answers yet. Perhaps you have one to contribute.