I have Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthrits and Fibromyalgia, so I have chronic pain. I take several medications, some of which are narcotic pain killers (Oxycotin, Percocet, Neurotin). I'm having shoulder surgery later this month and I'm a little concerned since I'm already taking all these meds - how will the dr. be able to manage this additional pain? Thanks
How to manage additional pain when I already have chronic pain?
- Posted:
- 4 Mar 2010 by terripage
- Topics:
- pain, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus
Details:
Answers (5)
4 Mar 2010
Stay on the extended release opiates as prescibed and see if your doctor can give you a stronger breakthough med for after surgery. You shouldn't add to what you already take. Pain from surgery is acute pain. Stronger breakthrough meds (in my opinion) is what I would discuss with my doctor. Good luck with the surgery.
subzero58
missy2
missy2
4 Mar 2010
sorry about the type-o i hit the wrong button.
terripage
4 Mar 2010
Thanks so much. I am going to ask about a trillion questions.
christineATU
Shay Shay12 Mar 2010
I have a similar health history. My pain meds are about one level below yours. I had a procedure done about a year ago and I had too much tolerance for his pain cocktail to work much at all. There is no problem with anesthesia, but I think you have a valid concern about pain control. I don't claim to know all the answers, but I can only speak from my own experience. I would be interested in how your doctor answers this concern.
caringsonbj22 Jul 2011
I had and (still have Chronic pain) a couple years ago I had to have an Ulna nerve transposition (Shoulder/arm surgery) I had the same concerns at that time I was on Fentanyl patches (low dose because I don't have much body mass and also hydrocodone for breakthrough I wondered what I'd be given for the additional pain from surgery the orthopedist kept me overnight and used IV PCA Morphine for 24 hours, once assuming you stay overnight and come home perhaps your doctor will switch you to a painkiller that your body isn't use to or may even increase the dose of some of your already exhisting medications thus the combination may help do the job, just be sure he is aware of ALL you take don't worry one thing I found out they manage it far better than even I expected. You take good care and if possible let us know how you are
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That is what I was thinking. The last thing I want is more medication, but I also have heard that the rotator cuff surgery is very painful. I have had 23 surgeries and I haven't been really scared until now. I think it is a mental thing because of all the horror stories about this surgery.
I've heard good stories too! My mom had this surgery and it went great. After shattering a few vertabrea, my surgery was extremely complicated and long. Bone fragments entered the spinal canal and put lots of pressure on my spinal cord causing nerve root damage. Pain, I know well. I had prior problems with my back and fortunately, the surgeon I was seeing prior to my accident, knew me and my tolerence for pain meds. I had been putting off surgery for several months. As long as it's just pain you have to deal with, one very good extended release and one very good breakthrough med will do the trick.
Make sure to let the anesthesiologist about the level of pain you were in before all of your medications. I had emergency surgery recently and when in the recovery room the nurse was unable to get my pain under control. It was due to not understanding my pain threshold was higher from dealing with pain for so many years. My boyfriend had to reiterate to her about all the medications especially gabapentin I was currently taking. Also, ask for a mild pain drip and ask for stronger pain meds to be given as needed intravenously(hypo into IV). Otherwise you may get too much or not enough pain medication.