Re: inadequate pain meds

[Guest guest]

At 06:42 AM 5/16/2009, you wrote:

Boy does it hurt. Pain

management is supposed to talk to me today before I go home. Oral pain

meds are not doing it for me and I am worried about getting

constipated.

Jodi,

Funny thing... surgery hurts! <wry grin>

My oncologist prescribed a stool softener for me to go along with the

narcotic pain meds. She also noted (later) that my using only cooked

vegetables, and avoiding raw ones was a good idea.

Something which I discovered, to my dismay, was that my pain went on for

longer than was considered " normal. " Later research into the

so-called " inactive " ingredients in all three of the pain

killers I was given disclosed significant amounts of SCD illegals.

When I originally discovered this, I took the attitude that " Pain is

pain, and I need this medicine. " (Elaine's theory regarding

necessary medication.) And, in point of fact, I did need it. Oral meds

were not as effective for me as the morphine pump. My suspicion, although

I have absolutely no scientific background to back it up, is that the

illegals affected my absorption of the medication.

In my case, once I reached the non-narcotic pain-relievers, the lactose

in the Motrin CAUSED ongoing gut spasm and pain -- and when I quit taking

the Motrin, and was able to shift to compounded acetaminophen, the spasms

went away.

I'm glad you're doing as well as you are with food and exercise. BTW,

Katy's suggestion of the small pillow is a great one. I learned about it

from the Hystersister website, and it was a godsend, especially when

bouncing around in a car to come home, or to go to follow-up doctor

appointments.

—

Marilyn

New

Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

Darn Good SCD Cook

No Human Children

Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund