TAH: On methadone for 4 years for a lortab addiction.

I am having a TAH in 3 weeks. I am scared they want be able to control my pain post op. Has anyone had this issue?

Hi carriethweatt -

I don't know how this will impact your pain management. Please tell your doctor, if you have not already, so they know what is going on.

Thank you. I plan on talking with doctors nurses everyone

4 years on methadone is a long time. The idea of the methadone is to wean you off. If you think it will affect your pain after surgery, ask for a different type of pain killer. Perhaps demerol.

Yea 4 years is a long time. I tried getting off the methadone. I have fought with depression and insomnia for most of my life. After I got on the methadone I started sleeping regular and the depression went away for once. I tried getting off one time it through me into a major depression and couldn't sleep so I got back on it. I got on loratabs because of my Endo pain so hopefully after I get well from my surgery would be a better time to get off of it.

If you have a TAH you are probably looking at a 2 or 3 day stay at least. I would suggest a written plan before you go in, and keep a copy of the plan. You'll need to stay on your usual meds, plus have post op meds in adequate doses, is my understanding. If your facility has a pain management consult service, maybe your Dr could work with them. It'll be important to have a plan in advance. Also be sure the anesthesiologist knows your meds and history. I hope you can get everyone working together so you have a good experience.

Carriethweatt, you definitely to make sure that your surgeon, anesthesiologist and hospital know about the methadone and what your dosage is. *All* of the medications used to manage pain during and after surgery are various sorts of opioids, as is methadone itself. They're using the same receptors in your brain as the methadone is. Your doctors will need to be very careful as to how (and even if) they mix other opioids with the methadone you're already on.

Also, you need to make sure that either the hospital pharmacy can supply you with methadone during your stay or that your regular pharmacy is willing to issue you enough methadone in advance. Accessing your regular pharmacy during your recovery period may also be an issue, especially the first couple of weeks. You won't be able to walk more than a few blocks or to drive.

I've read previous posts from other sisters who were on methadone - try doing a search of this site on the word "methadone" and see if you can pick up those posts.

As for eventually weaning off methadone (or not), I'd suggest that's an issue for the future. You don't need it on your plate right now.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by SurprisedInNB Carriethweatt, you definitely to make sure that your surgeon, anesthesiologist and hospital know about the methadone and what your dosage is. *All* of the medications used to manage pain during and after surgery are various sorts of opioids, as is methadone itself.

(((carriethweatt))),

I agree that you definitely talk to your entire medical team about your upcoming surgery. Whomever prescribes the methadone may need to speak to your surgeon and anesthesiologist about what might be best for you.

One thing to know is that not *all* medications used to manage pain during and after surgery are opioids, so you do have a lot of other options.