Is it normal to require narcotics 9 days after hysterectomy (7/7)?

I had robotic hysterectomy, everything removed, 7/7. I still have pain, but it's improving. I can't take nsaids so my dr said it's normal to be on hydrocodone a little longer. I'm almost out of my pain meds, should I ask for a refill? I only take 1-3 per day, mainly in the morning. I don't want my dr to think I'm misusing them and I certainly don't want to have any problems with them. Is it normal to require narcotics 9 days after hysterectomy?

I required them for 4 weeks!! However everyone different and so a lot of people don't need them that long. If you feel that you need them for longer, then you maybe you should ask for more..

I'm rather wimpy when it comes to pain. I tried to get off my Percocet too early (because of constipation issues) and ended up hunched over, so back on it I went. While I was able to stop shortly after, some of my recovery thread Sisters got refills in their second week of recovery.

I'd give your doctor a call, and tell him what you told us, that you often don't take the full dose. You can't take NSAIDS, but can you take acetaminophen / analgesics? Would that be an option?
Rest well!

I'm going to call tomorrow for a refill. I tried not taking them this morning to see how I'd do, it wasn't pretty! I've read so much about how so many women are off of narcotics within a few days so I was getting concerned.

I came off mine except at night, but I can use ibuprofen. Otherwise, I might still be using the Oxycodone. I think everyone is different, it couldn't hurt to ask the dr what he/she thinks. Maybe there are other options they can recommend.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Hajames7884 I had robotic hysterectomy, everything removed, 7/7. I still have pain, but it's improving. I can't take nsaids so my dr said it's normal to be on hydrocodone a little longer. I'm almost out of my pain meds, should I ask for a refill? I only take 1-3 per day, mainly in the morning. I don't want my dr to think I'm misusing them and I certainly don't want to have any problems with them. Is it normal to require narcotics 9 days after hysterectomy?

I still take 1-3 Percocet along with Ibuprofen daily. My TLAVH was also on 7-7-16. I went back to work part time on the 12th and back to work full time this week, so as long as I'm still in pain, it's what's getting me through the day. Hoping to switch to Tylenol and Ibuprofen soon.

At day 9 I had pain that was very intense and sharp. I had used Motrin 600mg every 8 hrs and Tylenol 650mg every 4 hrs in between. Ice right where the pain is at 20 minutes makes a huge difference. Narcotics should not be needed at day 9, if I had pain to that extent I would be driving my docs nuts.

I also got a bit disheartened when I saw that so many women were not taking narcotics at all and I was still taking them a week or so post-op. I am about 2.5 weeks post-op and at 9 days post-op, I was taking naproxen in the morning, oxycodone mid-day and naproxen again before bed. Had I been unable to take the naproxen, I would have required the narcotics more often. Pain management is important, so don't feel bad asking for what you need! Also, if the oxycodone is getting to strong for you, but you still need pain relief, there may be other options. Can you take tylenol with codeine? That may provide the relief you need without being too strong.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Hajames7884 I had robotic hysterectomy, everything removed, 7/7. I still have pain, but it's improving. I can't take nsaids so my dr said it's normal to be on hydrocodone a little longer. I'm almost out of my pain meds, should I ask for a refill? I only take 1-3 per day, mainly in the morning. I don't want my dr to think I'm misusing them and I certainly don't want to have any problems with them. Is it normal to require narcotics 9 days after hysterectomy?

What's 'normal' for one person isn't necessarily 'normal' for another. There are no hard and fast rules after major surgery and everyone has different experiences with pain.

My doctor simply told me, "If you are in pain, take painkillers. It's very hard to start your recovery if you are in pain." It was good advice and I followed it.

Thanks ladies! I talked to the nurse who made me feel like crap. She told me she didn't think the dr would refill because I'm 11 days postop. She just made me feel really bad for still taking them. She had me make an appointment. 15 mins later the dr called to see why I had scheduled an appointment. She asked if I felt I needed to be seen or if I just needed a refill. I explained everything, then she told me she had absolutely no problem refilling. She said that a lot of women still require the narcotics in the morning at this point postop. She really helped me feel better.