ON-Q for Pain

Hi

I'm getting ready to have a TAH/BSO in May. I read somewhere on this site about ON-Q a local pain reliever that your doctor can use instead of a morphine pump. Anyone familiar with ON-Q? How did it work out for them?

Geri

Hi, Geri!

I'm not familiar with ON-Q. I'll definately google it.

A few people on this board have mentioned that a spinal morphine injection can be very helpful.

It's given by your anesthesiologist before the surgery begins, and is working by the time you wake up, and it lasts for a good long time. It is given in addition to the PCA pump (I think).

I asked my surgeon about it. He thought it was a good idea, and said I should bring it up with my anesthesiologist.

Good luck to you!

ON-Q is put in place by your surgeon and provides continuous pain relief in those important first days after surgery.

ON-Q is a small high-tech balloon that holds local anesthetic (a pain numbing medication) and delivers it through a tiny specially-designed tube directly into the surgical incision site. The medication is delivered continuously and slowly for up to five days after surgery.

Similar to your dentist injecting novocaine into your mouth to create a numbing effect, ON-Q soaks the surgical site to create a numbing effect. Because ON-Q directs the medication only into the area where you have pain, the rest of your body stays in your normal, comfortable state.

The result? Your pain is relieved and you avoid the nausea, breathing problems, drowsiness, grogginess, constipation or sleepiness - all of which are side effects of narcotic painkillers.

Thank Lora!

It sure sounds great... just wanted to try and find anyone who might have used it about their expereince before I ask my doc to give it a whirl!

Geri

i myself had the on-q pain ball..it does work..i was a little skepticle at first,but it was a great suprise when i found how well it worked..afterm y surgery,for pain relief i had tordol shots,and newbain shots every 4-6 hours..and vicodin by mouth starting the 2 day,with the tordol shots also....i accredit me not having any major narcotics(morphine,demerol)due to this pain ball...hope this helps....sonie

Sonie

Thanks for the information. How long did you use it?

Geri

i had my surgery on a thursday,and they sent me home on sunday...they removed my staples,and the pain ball the morning i came home..and neither hurt a bit coming out either...sonie