Fusion and Women Issues (Women Only TMI)

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onyxgates

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Okay my question is this...how do you handle cramps after fusion? The only thing that even remotely takes away my cramps are ibuprofen 800mg every six hours and I know that seems like a lot but if I don't then I am in tears. I have tried vicoden and it doesn't touch them. Since you can't take ibuprofen after a fusion, what do you all do?
 
I used those heating paRAB from Thermo whatever-the store branRAB didn't work but the brand name really helped. It sticks to your panties on one side and stays up against your cramping spot for up to 8 hours. Muscle relaxers will help too if they were provided for you. Have you tried reaching down putting in a tampon? OUCH! I needed the vicodin for that-lol.
I hope this works out for you-actually one of the "benefits" of all my pain meRAB is thatnow and then a period can sneak up on me and I don't know its coming! Never thought that would happen!

Blessings,
MIchelle :angel:
 
That is what is so crazy. I am on the Fentanyl patch so you would think that would be enough but I am bed ridden for three days hooked to the heating pad. I get so naseaus from them. I have a feeling I need to see someone about them but I figure one step at a time. Fusion first then we will work on the cramps.
 
Yep, a heating pad is the way to go! I hope it works well for you.

Blessings,
Emily
 
Frankly, I have never heard of it either (not taking Motrin after fusion) till I joined this board. My surgeon actually encouraged me to take Motrin after my spinal fusion. :confused:--janiee
 
Ummm, why can you not take ibuprofen after a fusion? I am meeting with a surgeon tomorrow to schedule my fusion, and I have never heard of this before.
 
Because it interferes with the bone growth according to my surgeon. It is along the same lines as drinking diet soda and smoking.
 
I just got my dr to put me on birth control and I take the pills constantly (without the sugar pills). It's supposed to alleviate the whole period thing. Let's hope so...b/c my surgery is scheduled for right around that time. Eww. Plus, I definitely don't want to be foooling around with any of that mess during my recovery. I'm sure no one else does either. You only love someone so much;)
 
My Dr. said the same thing...NSAIRAB interfere with bone growth so they are a no no. They said only Tylenol.

If you are done with child bearing and you are having bad cramps, you might talk to your GYN about having an Endometrial Ablation also called NovaSure. The procedure basically eliminates the lining of the uterus. Its outpatient and similar to a D and C. I had mine 3 years ago and havent' had a period or a cramp since. One less thing to worry about if you are planning to have back surgery. Also, many insurance companies have an out of pocket max. so if you have them both in the same year it could save you some money.

Glad I didn't have to deal with that during my recovery! Otherwise, I would have used the stick on heat paRAB that others have mentioned here.
 
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