RE: Five weeks out and still need meds to manage the pain

[Guest guest]

Donna,

It sounds to me that you have a very realistic handle on your

progress.

The only thing that I can add is that you remember that five weeks into

the rehab of a total knee is a very short time. All the reports, as

well as my experience with my hip and my wife's knee, tell me that a knee

replacement takes longer and the rehab can be more painful.than a

hip replacement's. Most of the reports of " back to work in three

weeks " are hips.

Each of us heal at different rates. Judge your progress against

your progress yesterday and last week, not my yesterday and my last

week.

Have a better day.

Larry

At 09:58 AM 10/14/2006, you wrote:

I am not one of those super

success stories. I've worked hard, my PT is pleased with my progress, but

I'm still in more pain than I ever anticipated at this stage. I have a

friend who is an OS in another part of the country who strongly believes

in giving patients the meds they need to exercise and to heal mentally as

well as physically and encourages me to do just that.

[Guest guest]

Everyone reacts differently to pain meds

and maybe it’s not a dosage problem. You just may be on the wrong

medication for YOU.

Is there a pain specialist close to you???

With what is medically wrong with you a long term relationship with a pain DR.

may not be a

bad thing. I have been to two different

specialists in pain management over the years and I’m glad that I did. They

look at pain a little

differently than other doctors do. Instead

of focusing on a single area they look at your whole situation.

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

Have you tried taking an anti-depressant at night with the pain meds. I

nearly bopped the doc when he suggested this, but it did help me get some

sleep.

You and I know I was quite depressed too. But at the time I didn't link

that to pain.

I've got to the stage where I have stopped taking the pain medication. It

doesn't seem to have any impact on the pain, but the secondary effects I can

do without.

There are so many variables with this kind of surgery and pain. Is it

referred pain? Is it infection? Is it muscular? Is it neurological? Does

the patient's mental state effect how they are feeling pain? Is the patient

over tense? Is this attention getting?

Each one requires different treatment. None should be dismissed as invalid

or not real pain.

Sometimes the tens machine after a massage gives better relief than anything

else for me.

Hugs

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

Five weeks out and still need meds to

manage the pain

I am not one of those super success stories. I've worked hard, my PT

is pleased with my progress, but I'm still in more pain than I ever

anticipated at this stage. I have a friend who is an OS in another part

of the country who strongly believes in giving patients the meds they

need to exercise and to heal mentally as well as physically and

encourages me to do just that.

I had my post-op appointment with my surgeon this week. He's not a

communicator. Without even asking me about my pain, he said he was

taking one away and refilling one. Whoa. I told him no way would that

work for me. Without a blink, he did a complete turnaround and said

okay, we would continue the same pills and dosages that I've used

since leaving the rehab facility.

I detest the side affects of the pills. I'm taking the lowest

dosages possible, and there is no euphoria, no buzz, no pain-free hours.

They just get me through the day. But that's okay, as long as

I'm relatively comfortable. I've only had three days most

recently that were intolerable. This was during changes in the

temperatures and barometer that coincided with me getting a little

carried away with my exercise.

I have to confess and apologize: For years, I was one of those people

who said I wouldn't/couldn't take narcotics for pain control.

When I had an injury or a back problem, I bragged about flushing the

pills down the commode. Obviously, I hadn't yet suffered real pain.

I am sure people who did wanted to punch me for my arrogance. I'm

grateful they never did.

I'm not asking anyone to help me rationalize the fact that I am

still on pain meds. I feel 100 percent right about that decision. I

would just like to know what your experience with pain was/is so I can

compare my experience. And perhaps I can better predict when I can go

off these darn things. The constipation alone makes me uncomfortable and

nauseous. The good news is that I found out they make cherry- and

orange-flavored prunes – not bad at all!

Of course, I have not been on my usual, non-narcotic medications during

this post-op time. That means I've had no anti-inflammatory meds

since surgery – is this normal for someone who has severe

osteoarthritis? I suggested to my surgeon that I go back on it and he

agreed. It seems to be working. In 1 1/2 days, the swelling in the knees

is incredibly reduced, and I'm more mobile. It will be interesting

if turns out to be what I truly needed all this time.

Thanks to you all in advance for any of your experiences that might

help me understand my own situation and if I am " normal. " :-)

Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.

[Guest guest]

Thanks much, Margaret. Actually, I am finally sleeping well. I've been taking a low-dose Ambien, but I think I can give that up now. I actually slept eight hours the last two nights. And that's with a nap during the day. I was getting up every two hours day and night because of pain. Also, despite the pain, most days I am relaxed and looking forward to getting well and enjoying life like I couldn't when my knees wore out. You obviously know much more about pain than I do. All I know is this is the same pain I've had since surgery. After reading the postings here, I do feel better than my pain isn't unusual. I guess that's what I was looking for, some reassurance that I am on track. I had a very unusual day today. I went swimming. I kept the exercise light, and it did wonders. I went to lunch, got a pedicure and the spent two hours shopping on my crutches. Sometimes the pool does

more for me than a whole day's worth of pain meds. I was astounded. It was the most active day I've had. Now I'm going to go lay down with my ice packs and watch a movie. :-) I'm exhausted. Margaret <zztinau@...> wrote: Hi Donna,Have you tried taking an anti-depressant at night with the pain meds. I nearly bopped the doc when he suggested this, but it did help me get some sleep.You and I know I was quite depressed too. But at the time I didn't link that to pain.I've got to the stage where I have stopped taking the pain medication. It doesn't seem to have any impact on the pain, but the secondary effects I can do without.There are so many variables with this kind of surgery and pain. Is it referred pain? Is it infection? Is it muscular? Is it neurological? Does

the patient's mental state effect how they are feeling pain? Is the patient over tense? Is this attention getting?Each one requires different treatment. None should be dismissed as invalid or not real pain.Sometimes the tens machine after a massage gives better relief than anything else for me.HugsAussie MargaretRTHR 1990 revised 2004 Five weeks out and still need meds to manage the painI am not one of those super success stories. I've worked hard, my PTis pleased with my progress, but I'm still in more pain than I everanticipated at this stage. I have a friend who is an OS in another partof the country who strongly believes in giving patients the meds theyneed to exercise and to

heal mentally as well as physically andencourages me to do just that.I had my post-op appointment with my surgeon this week. He's not acommunicator. Without even asking me about my pain, he said he wastaking one away and refilling one. Whoa. I told him no way would thatwork for me. Without a blink, he did a complete turnaround and saidokay, we would continue the same pills and dosages that I've usedsince leaving the rehab facility.I detest the side affects of the pills. I'm taking the lowestdosages possible, and there is no euphoria, no buzz, no pain-free hours.They just get me through the day. But that's okay, as long asI'm relatively comfortable. I've only had three days mostrecently that were intolerable. This was during changes in thetemperatures and barometer that coincided with me getting a littlecarried away with my exercise.I have to confess and apologize: For years, I was one of those

peoplewho said I wouldn't/couldn't take narcotics for pain control.When I had an injury or a back problem, I bragged about flushing thepills down the commode. Obviously, I hadn't yet suffered real pain.I am sure people who did wanted to punch me for my arrogance. I'mgrateful they never did.I'm not asking anyone to help me rationalize the fact that I amstill on pain meds. I feel 100 percent right about that decision. Iwould just like to know what your experience with pain was/is so I cancompare my experience. And perhaps I can better predict when I can gooff these darn things. The constipation alone makes me uncomfortable andnauseous. The good news is that I found out they make cherry- andorange-flavored prunes – not bad at all!Of course, I have not been on my usual, non-narcotic medications duringthis post-op time. That means I've had no anti-inflammatory medssince surgery – is this normal for someone who

has severeosteoarthritis? I suggested to my surgeon that I go back on it and heagreed. It seems to be working. In 1 1/2 days, the swelling in the kneesis incredibly reduced, and I'm more mobile. It will be interestingif turns out to be what I truly needed all this time.Thanks to you all in advance for any of your experiences that mighthelp me understand my own situation and if I am "normal." :-)Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much, Larry. This is what I wanted to know, that I am on track as much as one can be on track with this unpredictable surgery. And I did have a much better day today -- the most active one yet! The pity party is over. :-) Larry <lhlauer@...> wrote: Donna,It sounds to me that you have a very realistic handle on your progress. The only thing that I can add is that you remember that five weeks into the rehab of a total knee is a very short time. All the reports, as

well as my experience with my hip and my wife's knee, tell me that a knee replacement takes longer and the rehab can be more painful.than a hip replacement's. Most of the reports of "back to work in three weeks" are hips.Each of us heal at different rates. Judge your progress against your progress yesterday and last week, not my yesterday and my last week.Have a better day.LarryAt 09:58 AM 10/14/2006, you wrote: I am not one of those super success stories. I've worked hard, my PT is pleased with my progress, but I'm still in more pain than I ever anticipated at this stage. I have a friend who is an OS in another part of the country who strongly believes in giving patients the meds they need to exercise and to heal mentally as well as physically and encourages me to do just that.

Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.

[Guest guest]

I think you're on to something, . I had this very thought last week when I was looking in the Yellow Pages for something else and happen to see a listing for a pain management specialist. Even when the pain from this surgery goes away, I still have my arthritis to contend with. I'll be taking cortisone in the hips until they're replaced. I'll soon be back on my regimen of arthritis meds. For whatever wonderful reason, my back doesn't hurt, though the arthritis has moved into my spine. But I have a big toe that's killingme. :-) Though exercise will always be my first line of defense, it's obvious pain mangement is going to be part of my life from now on. Your suggestion to see a specialist is an excellent one, and I've decided to follow through on it. Thank you!Donna Coffey <wcoffey81@...> wrote: Everyone reacts differently to pain meds and maybe it’s not a dosage problem. You just may be on the wrong medication for YOU. Is there a pain specialist close to you??? With what is medically wrong with you a long term relationship with a pain DR. may not be a bad thing. I have been to two different specialists in pain management over the years and I’m glad that I did. They look at pain a little differently than other doctors do. Instead of focusing on a single area they look at your whole situation.

Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

I had LTKR 8/2/2006 and the pain has not gotten much better. I am to

have revision surgery in about a week. Scar tissue and other

problems plus very stiff knee have brought me to this. My pain has

never been managed well. I do not sleep well at night. I alternate

between Ambien CR and Lunista for sleep med and then was taking up to

5 vicodins per night. My new surgeon wants me to taper off ALL

vicodin pain meds prior to the second surgery. He has me taking

Celebrix but that does not help pain much. Last night was a 3 vicodin

night with pain that kept me up from 4AM on. I am hopful the revision

surgery will result in less pain and certainly a much greater ROM.

As a last resort, I will find a pain doctor several months post the

revision surgery if the pain is not better by then. One thing that

bothers me is that some pain docs indicate they would inject

cortisone and lidocaine in the operated knee. Seems like that is a

risk of infection for a TKR joint but I am not an expert on that.

One thing that is true is that too many weeks on vicodin is a risk

for liver damage as the tylenol in vicodin is bad for the liver.

If you do not have ROM after 8 weeks or so then you may need to find

out if you have scar tissue binding things up. I hope your pain goes

away real soon.

Al Welch

> Hi Donna,

>

> Have you tried taking an anti-depressant at night with the pain

meds. I

> nearly bopped the doc when he suggested this, but it did help me

get some

> sleep.

>

> You and I know I was quite depressed too. But at the time I didn't

link

> that to pain.

>

> I've got to the stage where I have stopped taking the pain

medication. It

> doesn't seem to have any impact on the pain, but the secondary

effects I can

> do without.

>

> There are so many variables with this kind of surgery and pain. Is

it

> referred pain? Is it infection? Is it muscular? Is it neurological?

Does

> the patient's mental state effect how they are feeling pain? Is the

patient

> over tense? Is this attention getting?

>

> Each one requires different treatment. None should be dismissed as

invalid

> or not real pain.

>

> Sometimes the tens machine after a massage gives better relief than

anything

> else for me.

>

> Hugs

>

> Aussie Margaret

> RTHR 1990 revised 2004

>

> Five weeks out and still need

meds to

> manage the pain

>

>

>

> I am not one of those super success stories. I've worked hard, my PT

> is pleased with my progress, but I'm still in more pain than I ever

> anticipated at this stage. I have a friend who is an OS in another

part

> of the country who strongly believes in giving patients the meds

they

> need to exercise and to heal mentally as well as physically and

> encourages me to do just that.

>

> I had my post-op appointment with my surgeon this week. He's not a

> communicator. Without even asking me about my pain, he said he was

> taking one away and refilling one. Whoa. I told him no way would

that

> work for me. Without a blink, he did a complete turnaround and said

> okay, we would continue the same pills and dosages that I've used

> since leaving the rehab facility.

>

> I detest the side affects of the pills. I'm taking the lowest

> dosages possible, and there is no euphoria, no buzz, no pain-free

hours.

> They just get me through the day. But that's okay, as long as

> I'm relatively comfortable. I've only had three days most

> recently that were intolerable. This was during changes in the

> temperatures and barometer that coincided with me getting a little

> carried away with my exercise.

>

> I have to confess and apologize: For years, I was one of those

people

> who said I wouldn't/couldn't take narcotics for pain control.

> When I had an injury or a back problem, I bragged about flushing the

> pills down the commode. Obviously, I hadn't yet suffered real pain.

> I am sure people who did wanted to punch me for my arrogance. I'm

> grateful they never did.

>

> I'm not asking anyone to help me rationalize the fact that I am

> still on pain meds. I feel 100 percent right about that decision. I

> would just like to know what your experience with pain was/is so I

can

> compare my experience. And perhaps I can better predict when I can

go

> off these darn things. The constipation alone makes me

uncomfortable and

> nauseous. The good news is that I found out they make cherry- and

> orange-flavored prunes – not bad at all!

>

> Of course, I have not been on my usual, non-narcotic medications

during

> this post-op time. That means I've had no anti-inflammatory meds

> since surgery – is this normal for someone who has severe

> osteoarthritis? I suggested to my surgeon that I go back on it and

he

> agreed. It seems to be working. In 1 1/2 days, the swelling in the

knees

> is incredibly reduced, and I'm more mobile. It will be interesting

> if turns out to be what I truly needed all this time.

>

> Thanks to you all in advance for any of your experiences that might

> help me understand my own situation and if I am " normal. " :-)

>

>

> Send instant messages to your online friends

http://au.messenger.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Donna,

You will be surprised at the

attitude a pain specialist has about dealing with pain on a daily basis. It’s

totally different

Than any other doctor. We sat down and had

a long chat about addiction and what it really is. Because of all the joint

problems I have I’m going to need

some kind of pain management for the rest of my life. So that technically makes

me

an addict.

What is the difference between an

addict and someone who needs pain management every day. Aspirin is not

addictive but if you “need” to

take six everyday to help with the pain doesn’t that make you an

addict??? It all comes down

to the very negative picture we, and the

media, view whenever the word addict is brought up. Are diabetics an addict

because

they need insulin every day?? Or how about

someone on heart medication???

This is just a subject that gets me

worked up. If someone introduced me as an addict before we met, what kind of a

picture

Would you have of me???? Yes I take a tiny

dose (5mg) of a narcotic pain medication three times a day. Does that make me

a better or a worse person than someone

who has to take two extra strength Tylenol every four hours, plus an extra one

every

now and then, just to be mobile and have a

life???? I could quit the narcotic after a short taper down in dosage but to

keep the

pain under control I would just have to

add something else. Even if it was only aspirin I would only be trading one “addiction”

for another.

[Guest guest]

Your are exactly right. The addiction is not the problem. The

problem is being addicted to an illegal drug or a drug for which you

do not have a legal prescription.

Then the addict must do things that are against society to maintain

that addiction. That is when the problems start for the addicted individual.

That is not you, or any of us that need pain relief to maintain a

life, not illegal access to a drug to get away from life.

Larry

[Guest guest]

Hi I am so glad we have this group because it verifies what I am going through. Like aussie Margaret and Donna, I'm still on pain meds. It'll be 4 weeks tomorrow since my THR and I thought I was a sissy. My doctor just changed the pain meds that were working for me without asking any questions and, of course, without talking to me. He just has a nurse call back when you have a question. I spoke to other docs and because of legal stuff, they can't prescribe anything and I am still hurting. I think my doc thinks I shouldn't be taking anything but he knows that I have to have both hips done and the second won't be done until spring. What is it with surgeons? Margie

All-new - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.

[Guest guest]

I think, at least my perception of, what constitutes an addict (because I've had the same struggles w/ my actual need for the meds 3 times a day for a while there) are that those who truly are "addicted" are taking 20 to 30 pills a day, and ordering them off of the internet, and taking them just to run the kids to soccer practice and it's become more of a mental need for them vs. a pain management thing.

But then again, when I finally decided to stop taking mine completely, I still really felt pain (especially wanted to take them 1st thing in the AM because I'd just be so sore and stiff when I woke up) but what I found, is that once I went a few days without taking any at all my body no longer hurt as much. I think when I was taking them, I was so pain-free that I was pushing my body without knowing it, and then when the meds wore off, I'd feel the brunt from that (and hence, need to take another round.) But once completely off, you feel your body's limits and maybe don't over do it as much, and when I do feel sore or stiff, I take motrin (which is what my OS recommended) and they actually do the trick.

But this is coming from someone who is almost 4 months post-op and I do remember how badly I hurt around the clock before the surgery, and also the early days and weeks of recovery...without the meds, you're just too sore to make any strides.

Sorry to ramble!

kelly

[Guest guest]

well i am 2 weeks out which is obviously a longway from 5 weeks.... but i have a little bit different story to start off with -- before my knee surgeries i had been on 3 oxycodone's (5 mg IR) each day for chronic headaches... i have been on antdepressants as well which all started with the headache pain.... so when i was in the hospital after i got past the epidural i am taking 2-3 10 mg oxycodone CR tabs a day plus the 3 5 mg IR oxy's. I do not always use all the 10 mg pills -- i save those for when i am having a hard time before i go to bed and my pt calls me about 1 hour before she is coming and i take one then so i can tolerate the pain. i have had lots of pain in my life but i really can't remember one like this - now i know we forget things so that is probably part of it. my pt and doc agree that i should take the meds i need right now to be comfortable and be able to do my pt without being in excrutiating pain. i tend to get discouraged easily about this, but all involed have told me that i am doing very well... i cannot take anything with antiinflammatory meds in it because i am on coumadin and can't thin my blood out any further. plus if you take too much tylenol (or products with tylenol) you can develop rebound headaches -- which means they will go away but in a brief priod of time they will be back again, so be careful with that -- also after a have a long period of antiinflammatory use you may start having bloody stool, let the doctor know about this -- it is probably caused by the anti-inflammatory meds. but the one thing you need to remember most is to keep pushing forward -- i have cried a lot since my surgery betweeen my depresson etc. but you need to try to keep yourself busy -do your exercises and take care of you!!!! good luck, love, alice

[Guest guest]

I am not about 7 weeks post TKR and I agree it is different second time around and I did take something every 2 hours ( as perscribed) to try and get past the pain barrier

I still take an oxycodone every night (5mg) because my whole Right leg just aches and I find it hard to get to sleep so treat the pain the best way you know how for now and as things improve so will your pain relief requirements

-- Re: Five weeks out and still need meds to manage the pain

well i am 2 weeks out which is obviously a longway from 5 weeks.... but i have a little bit different story to start off with -- before my knee surgeries i had been on 3 oxycodone's (5 mg IR) each day for chronic headaches... i have been on antdepressants as well which all started with the headache pain.... so when i was in the hospital after i got past the epidural i am taking 2-3 10 mg oxycodone CR tabs a day plus the 3 5 mg IR oxy's. I do not always use all the 10 mg pills -- i save those for when i am having a hard time before i go to bed and my pt calls me about 1 hour before she is coming and i take one then so i can tolerate the pain. i have had lots of pain in my life but i really can't remember one like this - now i know we forget things so that is probably part of it. my pt and doc agree that i should take the meds i need right now to be comfortable and be able to do my pt without being in excrutiating pain. i tend to get discouraged easily about this, but all involed have told me that i am doing very well... i cannot take anything with antiinflammatory meds in it because i am on coumadin and can't thin my blood out any further. plus if you take too much tylenol (or products with tylenol) you can develop rebound headaches -- which means they will go away but in a brief priod of time they will be back again, so be careful with that -- also after a have a long period of antiinflammatory use you may start having bloody stool, let the doctor know about this -- it is probably caused by the anti-inflammatory meds. but the one thing you need to remember most is to keep pushing forward -- i have cried a lot since my surgery betweeen my depresson etc. but you need to try to keep yourself busy -do your exercises and take care of you!!!! good luck, love, alice

__________ NOD32 1.1808 (20061017) Information __________This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.http://www.eset.com__________ NOD32 1.1808 (20061017) Information __________This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.http://www.eset.com

[Guest guest]

I am truly bowled over by your articulate and insightful responses on this issue. You all have given me the confidence and knowledge to sit down and discuss a long-term plan with a pain management specialist once I'm through this recovery.

I'm so fortunate to hav found this site. There is nothing like the wisdom of those who have gone before you. Thank you all.

However, I have a bit of a setback A funny snap, crackle and pop in my in my right knee just about put me through the ceiling night before last. See my new posting later this morning. I'm again seeking your feedback.

Warmest regards,

Donna

RE: Five weeks out and still need meds to manage the pain

Donna,

You will be surprised at the attitude a pain specialist has about dealing with pain on a daily basis. It’s totally different

Than any other doctor. We sat down and had a long chat about addiction and what it really is. Because of all the joint

problems I have I’m going to need some kind of pain management for the rest of my life. So that technically makes me

an addict.

What is the difference between an addict and someone who needs pain management every day. Aspirin is not

addictive but if you “need” to take six everyday to help with the pain doesn’t that make you an addict??? It all comes down

to the very negative picture we, and the media, view whenever the word addict is brought up. Are diabetics an addict because

they need insulin every day?? Or how about someone on heart medication?? ?

This is just a subject that gets me worked up. If someone introduced me as an addict before we met, what kind of a picture

Would you have of me???? Yes I take a tiny dose (5mg) of a narcotic pain medication three times a day. Does that make me

a better or a worse person than someone who has to take two extra strength Tylenol every four hours, plus an extra one every

now and then, just to be mobile and have a life???? I could quit the narcotic after a short taper down in dosage but to keep the

pain under control I would just have to add something else. Even if it was only aspirin I would only be trading one “addiction”

for another.

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

My doctor at the rehab facility would have scolded you royaly. You

are truely NOT managing your pain properly. The PT has it right.

You cannot progress properly in PT if the pain is so bad that you

cannot push the limits. If you were managing your pain meds

properly you would not be " pain free " but fairly comfortable most

the day except after exercises. I suggest you contact your

physician and tell him about the amount of pain you are really in.

By playing the tough soul, you are not helping yourself, you are

hindering your recovery.

I am not an advocate of Narcotics, but I have never known a day

without pain my whole life. It took a real brow beating my the

doctor at Helen Rehab to set me staight and put me on the road

to realy physical recovery. I am on a lot of medication myself

right now, but I'm doing great at PT. I am now 1-month out of a

horrible double knee replacement and I have 105 & 95 degrees flex

respectivly and walking with just a cane. That is a 30 degree

increase in flexation since starting PT two weeks ago.

You have to remember the 1st 6 weeks is mostly post operative

healing and there will be a lot of pain. If you don't control it

with medication you cannot push your limits and break up the scar

tissue. Don't make the same mistakes I made in the beginning. Once

you are healed and the bones are knitted to the implant then you'll

be able to decrease the medication without a problem.

Chin UP Donna and please call your doctor and tell him / her exactly

what you are going through.

Best Regards,

Alan

>

>

> I am not one of those super success stories. I've worked hard, my

PT

> is pleased with my progress, but I'm still in more pain than I ever

> anticipated at this stage. I have a friend who is an OS in another

part

> of the country who strongly believes in giving patients the meds

they

> need to exercise and to heal mentally as well as physically and

> encourages me to do just that.

>

>

>

> I had my post-op appointment with my surgeon this week. He's not a

> communicator. Without even asking me about my pain, he said he was

> taking one away and refilling one. Whoa. I told him no way would

that

> work for me. Without a blink, he did a complete turnaround and said

> okay, we would continue the same pills and dosages that I've used

> since leaving the rehab facility.

>

>

>

> I detest the side affects of the pills. I'm taking the lowest

> dosages possible, and there is no euphoria, no buzz, no pain-free

hours.

> They just get me through the day. But that's okay, as long as

> I'm relatively comfortable. I've only had three days most

> recently that were intolerable. This was during changes in the

> temperatures and barometer that coincided with me getting a little

> carried away with my exercise.

>

> I have to confess and apologize: For years, I was one of those

people

> who said I wouldn't/couldn't take narcotics for pain control.

> When I had an injury or a back problem, I bragged about flushing

the

> pills down the commode. Obviously, I hadn't yet suffered real pain.

> I am sure people who did wanted to punch me for my arrogance. I'm

> grateful they never did.

>

>

>

> I'm not asking anyone to help me rationalize the fact that I am

> still on pain meds. I feel 100 percent right about that decision. I

> would just like to know what your experience with pain was/is so I

can

> compare my experience. And perhaps I can better predict when I can

go

> off these darn things. The constipation alone makes me

uncomfortable and

> nauseous. The good news is that I found out they make cherry- and

> orange-flavored prunes – not bad at all!

>

>

>

> Of course, I have not been on my usual, non-narcotic medications

during

> this post-op time. That means I've had no anti-inflammatory meds

> since surgery – is this normal for someone who has severe

> osteoarthritis? I suggested to my surgeon that I go back on it and

he

> agreed. It seems to be working. In 1 1/2 days, the swelling in the

knees

> is incredibly reduced, and I'm more mobile. It will be interesting

> if turns out to be what I truly needed all this time.

>

>

>

>

>

> Thanks to you all in advance for any of your experiences that

might

> help me understand my own situation and if I am " normal. " :-)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> .

>