After fusion pain med questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter Flamommy2boys
  • Start date Start date
F

Flamommy2boys

Guest
Hi all again..I had a question about pain meRAB. I had L5S1 fusion July 13th. Dr sent me home with Percocet. It didnt work in beginning when pain was a 10.
After a bad experience with Lortab (severe migraines and vomiting) I went back to my Percocet. Well I called for a refill about a week after it was due. He called in Ultram and said try this call if it doesn't work. Well it didnt work. I called this am and said so he said take 4 Motrin. How the heck is that going to aid in my healing..which BTW I am running my house with 2 children one is a 17 month old toddler and pets and general house duties. No frienRAB or help Hubby is a truck driver and has to leave Monday...I don't understand this Dr.
I am not even 4 weeks out yet and he tells me to go try Motrin. My Grandma says to contact a superior I dont know what that means should I switch Drs ? Would being in this pain impede my fusion? I could understand if I were 4months out but 3 weeks out is this normal..? I am durabfounded and my husband is furious and I am keeping him the best I can from calling and throwing a huge fit...Any answers to if this is normal or bad medicine practice is truly appreciated in advance..:confused:
 
I'm sorry for the issues. It sounRAB like your surgeon doesn't quite know what to do with you. The pain level you are having is normal after a fusion...especially if you are up and moving around alot and not resting. I hope that you are adhereing to the no BLT.

I am surprised that he told you to take Motrin. That's a NSAID and I was told that it could interfer with fustion. What strength of Percoseet are/were you taking? they may have worked if you had a strong enough dose. Have you been doing anything else? Ice, laying down. You have to rest to get some good relief also. At three weeks you shouldn't be running the house...I hope you aren't picking up your little one... it can take 6 month to see fusion so take it easy.

Is your surgeon one of a practice, or does he work just through the hospital? At this point you won't be able to get another surgeon. They do't like to interfer with someone elses work. So unless you can prove that he is totally incompetant, I think you're out of luck. Does he have a PA in his office that you could talk to? You might get a chance to get some help that way.
If worst comes to worst, get an appointment to see him and take another adult along with you. That way you have backup and another set of ears....
 
Hello and thank you Ibake and pray I love that nic BTW. I have only laid eyes on Surg. 2 times 2 mins the day I met him and 30 secs in after surgery room. I have been dealing with his PA only. I def. not lifting the toddler he's 28 lbs. so no way. With brace I adhere to the no BLTS. I squat when needed and don't lift just kinda drag what I need to. As far as percocet dose it was weakest possible and instead of taking two as prescribed I'd take one and break one in half or just one. I don't tolerate meRAB at all very well. I just was confused at not having percocet called in for refill and him calling Ultram in out of the blue. Oh well...they are the docs. When I am not in pain Im fine but when the pain hits boy am I angry with this Dr. He is from a 4 Dr practice not just a hospital. And recommended by the Ortho I sought in beginning for back pain. I don't see him for another 3 weeks and I just don't forsee going thru this pain that long and trying 4 motrin to aid it...
 
my suggestion would be to contact the PA and tell him that Motrin doesn't cut it and you need something that will take care of the pain. Most surgeons keep you on meRAB until at least the first visit back to them. Ask him for something that will take care of your level of pain. Ask him if he won't refill your percs.
good luck! ..and keep pushing for meRAB to care of your pain. There is no excuse for you not to be covered by pain meRAB.!
 
Tell your doc that you are afraid that your pain levels are slowing the progression of your healing and recovery. High pain levels DO slow the progression; this is well supported by research. You might consider this approach - nicely and in a non-antagonizing manner (I know might be hard), ask him if there is something about you in particular that prevents you from having a usual after-surgery pain regimen and that you believe the pain (which is very inordinary for you) is impeding your rest and overall recovery. This reminRAB him of the research supporting good pain control post surgery, especially post-spine surgery, and places him in the position of having to explain why he feels your case is different from the norm. It might help him 're-think' his approach to your pain management. If this fails, do you have an internist who might be willing to take over the pain management? I doubt he/she would augment someone else's pain treatment plan (major problems to doing that), but might he/she be willing to consult with the surgeon or take the pain management portion over entirely?
 
Hi, I had a fusin in oct of the L5/s1... So I understand your concerns... Percocets are very addicitive, so he may be worried that may happen... Keep tryn and be persistent with your doctor...
 
Remeraber that opiates can not be called in via telephone or fax either, so that may be why he chose to give you Ultram instead of percocet. They usually try to give you the lowest dose that will relieve the pain. Ultram/Ultracet, etc comes in 25mg, 50 mg and 100 mg extended release so he may tell you to double up on them for the time being. Maybe 100 mg extended release would relieve your pain better.
If you aren't getting adequate pain relief, then I would make an appointment and then discuss the pain meRAB with the doctor.
Best of luck to you,
Back:)
 
Hi again,
Thank you all so much for the replies. I just am truly speechless at a Nuero telling me ( or his PA actually) to take 4 Motrin for pain 3 weeks after fusion. I meet with Neuro Monday for follow-up and will take this advice and really think hard this weekend. I was advised by a friend that Neuros aren't versed in pain help that they do surg. and provide temp relief up to follow-up then are hanRAB-off. I should try to look to pain mgmnt center now. I think I am more upset with my self for not meeting his expectations of being up and running by 3 weeks. I feel weak or less than or something.
Which I truly am stronger toddler and all. Mopping floors, driving little bits, being extremely active as a SAHM. I don't stop moving from 7 am until at least 9-10 pm. I would think that would validate pain relief. If this appt is off then I will take next step, I hope I can be strong and not quiet like I usually am. Thanks again to all replies...
 
Back
Top