narcotics & week 3 slump :(

It's not like I get that sore, but constant low-level belly pain is draining. I'm finding I take 1 or 2 small doses of Vicodin or Percocet almost every day.

It's weird -- my pain level has been fairly consistent since the surgery (though I'm taking fewer meds now). Never got that bad, never really gets all the way better except on meds. Ibuprofen doesn't seem to help.

I'm kinda bummed because I was doing so well my first week post-op, and now I don't know why I'm not healing faster. I know stitches dissolve, plus I've been a little more active, but I just want to avoid being in pain and needing meds at all. It seems like all I do is lie back and watch TV or read, but my belly still gets sore. I feel like I'm being a big baby.

I'm a little nervous about taking narcotics every day, even though I'm taking way less than I could be. I don't want to become addicted, but the pain gets to me. Anyone else struggling with this? Am I being paranoid about addiction?

Thanks,

Melissa

I had my TAH on 3/11/01 - so I'm 3 weeks 2 days post-op right now.

I have been taking pain medication too... although today I didn't take anything besides ibuprofen until bedtime. I get the soreness too. And almost all I do is rest and walk. The first week I was home, I took a lot of my medication (percocet) and now I have some other medication... but I'm weaning myself off of it too.

As my dr's have said "You just had major surgery. Don't be a hero, take the medicine if you hurt."

Sending big hugs, and to let you know that you're not alone.

Crystal

I had heard that at 3 weeks the stitches start to dissolve and the tissues they were supporting would have to start "carrying the load." This would cause more discomfort. That's what I am experiencing now. Sometimes it really hurts and I take one Darvocet at bedtime to help with the pain and to allow me to sleep. Other times I get by with ibuprofen or no medication at all.

I wouldn't worry about becoming an addict at this point. Try to get through the next couple of weeks and you should have a lessening of the pain. If you're really concerned, check with your doctor.

If you are feeling inclined to rest a lot and not do much physically, try to see it as a sign that your body needs to concentrate on healing. I'm feeling much the same way and although it's often frustrating, I'm using this time to be really easy on myself. Let's be pampered princesses and let our bodies heal on their own timeline.

I am 2 weeks and 2 days post op and totally understand.
I have been having more pain again mostly at night. I don't do well with pain meds and have been taking 4 advil every 6 hours as needed. I was worried too about taking it for too long. I have probably been doing too much. I've been to Kmart and a couple of other places today. I can't just stay shut up or I get down. I did take a nap today but almost think that has made it worse. My back and hips are soooo achy! I can't wait for this part to be over!
Hope you are doing better. I don't think we have to worry about the pain meds. For one thing your dr wont let you have enough of them to get addicted to. Take care!

Carey
TAH/BSO 3/19/02

3/11/02 here.... also sometimes need tylenol during the day or especially at night. I think it's a combination of stitches dissolving and also my beginning to do a lot more around the house - laundry, etc. Someone has to do it. I do take it very easy and don't lift, etc, etc, etc. I remind myself that recovery IS 6 weeks - NOT 3! We will just have to hang in there a little longer....