Question:
Is it wrong to still need pain meds 4 weeks post op?
I don't use them everyday but once in a while I do wake up feeling pretty sore or at night and nothing else helps. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks! LAP RNY 10/14/03 — Lizette A. (posted on November 11, 2003)
November 11, 2003
Don't be hard on yourself--everyone is different and everyone manages pain
differently. As long as you are not dependent on them everyday to get
through the day--I think it's okay. But ask your doctor if you are worried.
Besides, your prescription will run out soon :)
— who A.
November 11, 2003
I would see your surgeon. 4 weeks to still be in any pain after a LAP
doesnt sound right.
— star .
November 11, 2003
I would contact my surgeon if I were you. Yes, everybody is different and
I don't know what kind of pain meds you are on. However, I was off all
prescription pain meds within 3 days of being home after open RNY. Keep in
mind, if you are taking prescription narcotic pain meds, you shouldn't be
driving.
Good Luck
— Carolyn M.
November 11, 2003
Have you tried regular Tylenol? Sometimes it will do the trick. I stopped
taking the prescription within 3 days of being home. It just knocked me
out too much. Also, walking will make the pain go away faster.
— mrsmyranow
November 11, 2003
I still am on pain meds for intense pain in my incision, at 16 weeks post
op I have gone from 314lbs to 172 and although I look great I wish the pain
would go away.
— Erica R.
November 11, 2003
The answer is no. Everyone heals at different rates. Also, you may do a
little more one day and not the next. This will make you hurt.
— robin E.
November 11, 2003
Wow! I was off pain med's in a week. BUT, people heal at such different
speeds. If you are really sore still, use them, but watch out that you
don't get addicted. It will pass.
— Michele B.
November 11, 2003
I hurt for about 6 weeks. I took pain meds once in a while when the pain
got really bad. Everyone heals differently. I've seen people who are over
400 pounds with lots of co-morbidities who whiz right through surgery and
feel great right after. I was a lightweight with NOTHING wrong with me
(except being fat!!) and I had the worst time!!!!!! I would have thought I
would have been fine. Instead I felt like I'd been hit by a truck for
about the first 8 weeks. Don't beat yourself up for taking a little pain
medicine when you need it.
— Patty H.
November 12, 2003
Be careful as taking narcotic pain meds (like percoset) for more than two
weeks can be addictive. Try Tylenol. It seems to work better for me
post-op than pre-op. If that's not enough, maybe check with your doctor to
find out why you're still so uncomfortable.
— mom2jtx3
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