Morphine vs Demerol

Hi Ladies,

I wanted to start this as a new post, as I'm seeing so many questions about this.

I knew from previous surgery, that Morphine made me naseous, so I've always asked for Demerol since... during surgery and also in the pump..(You'd think I was the Queen of surgery..not)

I was told during my pre-op, that it was IMPORTANT to remind your doctor, even the day of surgery, as they normally go straight to Morphine SOP. (I'm in Canada).

You DO have choices. Unfortunately, until you've had surgery, you can't really tell which is best for YOU. Make it a point to bring the subject up prior to surgery....

Also, maybe it's just me, but I've found I have a fun "high" once I'm returned to my room. I then quickly go to sleep, and wake with a clear head.

Cheers Georgy

Unfortunatley i am a Surgery Veteran... LOL.. I have had my fair share and then some.

99% of the time they went right for the Morpheine. It is supposed to be fast acting and dosage friendly.

Somewhere, somehow I developed an allergic reaction to Morpheine. Benadryl quickly counter acted the allergic reaction while allowing the "Benefits" of the Morpheine.

I now receive Demerol instead. The difference is that Demerol can only be administered (According to the OR nurse) every 20 minutes and at small increments. As it effects your breathing.

I had a laparaoscopy last May and spent several hours in the Recovery area due to this. Apparently (I don't remember anything) I was in alot of pain and they were having a hard time getting it under control with the demerol due to the dosages and time frames. This made my family crazy as they had no idea what was taking so long to get to my room.

There are tons of pain meds out there. I was also told that Dilauded is another option.

And yes, I still have to remind them, even in the Pre-Op area that I am allergic to Morpheine (as I am staring at the bracelet on my wrist and the neon writing on the chart)....

Stacy

Dilaudid is a derivitive of Morphine, so if you have a Morphine sensitivity, it may not work for you. Best to discuss all of this with anesthesiologist and doctor way before hand. There are other alternatives.

I was given Demerol but not by my request so not all doctors give Morphine. I didn't want anything at all but they hooked it up to me anyway. The few times I did use it, it stung really bad when it went in my hand. Fortunately, I had LAVH and my pain after surgery was actually less than my pain before surgery.

From previous surgeries I knew what worked for pain and what did not. At my pre-op appt. I talked this over with the nurse and she made sure that she had written all over my chart that I did not want morphine and did not want the pain pump, demoral injections only. I had no problems. Most just asked me if I was allergic to morphine, but my wishes were followed. I am not an outspoken person, and have always let drs/nurses decide what was best for me, but this time I "ran" my mouth and things went much better.
chele.

Did you notice that just with the demerol, the feeling good part? I don't think remember being given demerol. I am also, a surgery veteran
I hate morphine as I was on it two weeks last time and went through major withdrawls. I am really glad you posted this, I would not have even though of demerol!
Carrie

	Quote:
Originally posted by georgy Hi Ladies, I wanted to start this as a new post, as I'm seeing so many questions about this. I knew from previous surgery, that Morphine made me naseous, so I've always asked for Demerol since... during surgery and also in the pump..(You'd think I was the Queen of surgery..not) I was told during my pre-op, that it was IMPORTANT to remind your doctor, even the day of surgery, as they normally go straight to Morphine SOP. (I'm in Canada). You DO have choices. Unfortunately, until you've had surgery, you can't really tell which is best for YOU. Make it a point to bring the subject up prior to surgery.... Also, maybe it's just me, but I've found I have a fun "high" once I'm returned to my room. I then quickly go to sleep, and wake with a clear head. Cheers Georgy