How long where you on pain meds following LSH?

I was just wondering how long after LSH were you on pain meds.I'm still taking 3 lortabs a day.I'm having other issues though with my bowels,but whatever is causing the pain thats all that seems to help,but don't believe Dr will refill when I go back.The last refill was actually by the Dr I'm seeing for my bowels.He said would give until I got back to gyno,but he seems to think none are needed.Anyone else's story would be helpful.Am I just a wimp?

Hi Aleta,

I'm generally not a wimp but this experience has made me question my own judgment many times because my surgeon expected me to be recovered far earlier than I was healing. The most powerful lesson of this experience has been how I need to be my own best friend and champion. Sounds like you're in a similar place.

It's challenging too because we all know you can become addicted to painkillers and who wants that heck? I received one refill on my narcotic prescription, I'm still using it. Think she gave me 40 tablets each time.

I took Percocet steadily (alternating with 800 mg ibprophen) for about two weeks, then began to taper off. I've needed _half_ a Percocet about 2 or 3 times a week since my fourth week (I'm in my sixth week post-surgery now). I take the Percocet when the discomfort gets to the level it's distracting, like it's hard to read a book or watch tv. Twinges and occasional or low grade aches that come and go are fine without. I'm not finding ibprophen to be a big help.

My internist (not my surgeon, who gave me very little post-op instruction) seemed really surprised at my surgeon's take at releasing me at 2 weeks. In contrast he told me to quit my even limited power walking and errands and just walk for a few more weeks and rest more with one errand a day to check progress. He thinks my even limited activity (to me and my surgeon's take) was holding up my healing and prolonging discomfort. I wasn't feeling uncomfortable during my power walks or right after -- it's very sneaky. He also said post-surgery I might experience some significant pain occasionally up to three months. So the best pain preventative is to rest and not try to push myself. I gave myself the gift of six weeks of pure healing, based on what I read here.

Of course, this is for my situation only. Be sure to talk to you doctor about your pain. If you don't find your surgeon is helpful, find an internist or another doctor who will be more specific and informative. My surgeon discharged me for normal activity at two weeks saying 'just listen to your body' -- the problem is the pain doesn't always show up 'real time' when we're hurting ourselves. Find someone to help you who understands that.

Pacific,
Thanks for the advice.I don't feel like such a wimp now I will talk to my doctor on tues,and then gastro on the 19th another sister mentioned gallbladder dysfunction.At this point I feel like what's not wrong with me

Or -- it could just be regular post-surgery discomfort which for some of us goes on quite awhile. Sounds like there is a lot going on, your body has a lot to take care of now.

One other thought from my nurse practitioner husband: pain medication allows you and your body to relax enough to allow healing to occur.

Big hugs!