Post-op Pain Meds

I can't help but notice as I read the post-op threads that so many women had problems with the post-op pain meds. I know that 2 of my friends had problems (nausea) with morphine (via the pump). It seems fairly common in some of the threads too. If it causes so many problems (morphine), why is it so commonly used? My 2 biggest concerns are post-op pain and nausea. Would getting the anti-nausea patch take care of the problem and I should quit worrying?

I had problems as well with the morphine pump. I experienced nausea and a bad rash. I think it is so commonly used due to it's great visceral pain control and the fact that it is short acting and reversable. I am not sure about the patch, but before my rash appeared I told them I felt sick and they gave me IV gravol. Seemed to do the trick and made me sleepy as well. Unfortunately, I think you are going to experience morphine in your own personal way and won't really know what that experience will entail until it happens. Hoping you all the best.

Some use other meds - I think I had Demerol (so foggy the first day - knew it started with a D). It was fine except I wound up with a reaction from using the PCA pump - itching all over. They had to stop it and give me oral meds. Honestly - it's only for the first 12-18 hours then you get oral meds - don't worry. This is the time you are most closely monitored - you will be well taken care of. I had more trouble getting oral meds that gave me adequate pain relief. Finally vicodin was offered - and of course, it has always worked for me. Just stay ahead of the pain - once you get behind it is murder getting comfortable again.

I was on demerol also, not on morphine.. you might want to ask your doctor what his preference is.. Now as far as the nausea.. I dont think that all of it is from the pain meds.. I think that alot of it is from the anesthesia all together.
I loved my pca pump.. it took the pain away very quickly.. I only had it the first 24 hours.. then they took it off.
Also, ask your doctor if he has standing order for nausea medication.. Mine did and when I did have nausea, the nurses gave it to me right away.. i think it was a shot..(probably phenergan) but it really helped. I dont know anything about anti-nausea patch.. again.. I would probably just ask your doc.. he will make you feel better about it.
Good Luck

I was given morphine once in the ER for a burst ovarian cyst. I remember them telling me that they'd give it very slowly thru the IV to avoid causing the woozy feeling. It worked great and I didn't get sick at all. Perhaps it's the push thru the pump that causes that feeling. I just know my friend and sister-in-law both said they gave one pump and immediately threw up. I've had oxycontin and percodan orally with no problems, so hopefully one of those will work well for me this time.