Pain Meds?

Can anyone tell me what type of pain medication might be given to me while in the hospital vs. what type I can expect to be prescribed for at home use during the weeks following surgery? I don't do very well with Vicodin and Darvocet (commonly used in my geographical area for post-op pain). They both make me very nauseated and "loopy" (and not in a good way!) Any suggestions for pain meds that may not give me these problems? I have heard Tramadol (Ultram) might be a possibility. Any advise from any sisters for a sister coming up on her surgery date very quickly? Thanks!

jmw66: I had percocet. I think most of the time it is some form of narcotic. Be careful, they sometimes can cause constipation. Use gas-x and some sort of stool softener.

I was given toradol and dilaudid...each could be given every 4 hours as needed for pain. I could take them together or separately..That was only when I had the IV because they were injectable. Once on a diet, they will switch you to a pill...I started off with 2 percocet every 6 hours (though I only took 1) but that didn't really work for me. It made me very sick, so I switched to lorocet (vicoden) and that's what I went home on. I only took a half at a time. Some patients are given morphine. You have the right to discuss with your nurses and doctors preop and during your hospital stay as to what method of pain control you want. Be flexible and know that mid hospital stay you might need to switch; I did. If the medicine makes you feel sick, try piggybacking with an anti nausea medicine..I used zofran which isn't as strong as phenergan so that won't make you so loopy. My suggestion is to make sure you take the pain meds when you need it...as the anesthesia wears off and you're able to eat and hold down food as well as get up and get moving, you will feel a bit better with each dose. Just remember to speak up when in...you have the right to be comfortable and if meds aren't cutting it, they will need to switch things up for you.
Good luck to ya!!!

I can't take pain meds at all. I have tried them all with the migraines I used to have before the Hyster. Phener. also makes me terribly dizzy. Whatever you use, just try a small amount first if you have problems. I WISH there was a medicane I could take.

It was hard having a TAH with no meds but I made it. Good luck to you!

depends on what you can handle, nothing in my case was given - didn't have pain anyhow, just disconfrot which was nothing compared to the killer pain i was living with before the op

I had morphine in the recovery room. It made me nauseous, so they gave me promethazine. That made me sleep -- not a bad thing after surgery. From then on I had percocet which I tolerated well. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery!

TVH 31 July 08, Appendectomy Oct 04

I am allergic to percocette, and due to the total upset in my hospital room and no pain relief from the pain with morphone for a day and a half, I was given tylenol with codein and valium. Was the perfect coctail for me.

Hi there,

Wanted to welcome you to the forum, and also wish you well!

I was given a morphine pump in the hospital, and discharged with Percocet 5mg/325mg to be taken 1-2 pills every 4-6 hours. I was also advised to alternate this with two Advil. I have taken Ultram in the past after other procedures, and for me anyway, did not find as much pain relief from this...it depends, however, on what you can tolerate, and Ultram may work very well for you since you are so sensitive to the other meds. I can say that Ultram did not make me nearly as loopy, and no nausea. Perhaps you could start with that, and have a prescription for something a bit stronger handy to fill if needed? Also, as suggested, having an anti-nausea med on hand can be of great benefit if you do need a pain med that is going to make you feel this way.

Please take care, and please do keep us posted! I wish you the absolute best for an uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Sincerely, Trish

You ladies are the best! Thank you so much for all your helpful replies and well-wishes! I now have an idea of what to expect in the hospital and options of meds to ask for when I am discharged home. I will keep you all posted -- thanks again for your help!

I got Dilaudid @ the hospital and @ home. I did not use all the ones perscribed for home. Did not need them, but I did need the stool softener @ home. I still use liquid Advil on occasion now. But not usless I have over done it.