Pain meds after plastics

[artymama 170]

Just wondering ... Any vets who have had plastic surgery how long did you take prescription pain meds? I am 8 days out from my double hernia/panni and still need them. I have spaced them to every 8 hours, but I was hoping not to need them anymore. This surgery was painful!

[Sweet Pee 349]

Congratulations on having plastic surgery. Plastic surgery like any surgery is not easy, but very rewarding, and can be painful for some people.

I had plastic surgery with very minimal pain and used over-the-counter pain meds for about 3 or 4 days. I continued to take Arnica which was given to me by Dr Victor Gutierrez my plastic surgeon. Everyone pain tolorance is different. I know I hate being in any kind of pain. Try to take it easy. I was told to stay off my feet and to do as little as possible. I was also advised to wear my compression garment 24/7.

If you feel your pain is not normal, please do not hesitate to contact your plastic surgeon.

Take care and congratulations again on your plastic surgery. Please keep us updated on your progress.

Sweet Pee

[MichiganChic 3,262]

Don't feel bad - I took LOTS of Norco for about 2 weeks. I had a lower body lift and brachioplasty, and it was by far the most miserable I've ever been. I had to call and get 2 refills. Some people don't think it's that painful, but it was for me. I even had a pain pump for the first 3 days. I wondered if I was just a baby or something was abnormal, but I don't think so. I do know some people have far less pain, but I think more pain is the norm. A double hernia probably explains your pain. Take your drugs and relax

[artymama 170]

Thanks for your replies. Complicating my issue is the fact that I am allergic to the derma bond they used on my incision and I am crazy with itching all the time. The Norco helps me relax. I am going to give myself 2 weeks and then see where I'm at with it all. I would like to relax and take the meds like you said. I need to get over the " but I should be all better by now" mentality.

[Sweet Pee 349]

You absolutely should NOT be better now. (Smile) Don't rush yourself. Healing takes time. Sorry about the itch. I know that makes things worse. Muscle/Hernia repair can be painful. Relaxing pain meds can really be helpful.

[artymama 170]

Thanks Sweet Pea! I need to give myself permission to relax!

[#9grammy 274]

What about your meds in the hospital? I do take a number of them, does the nurse bring them crushed with something or just sit them there and have at it? lol. I have none that is liquid but the pain med.

[AvaFern 3,516]

I took Percocet every 4-6 hours for the first three days and then I took it once the next night. I had a BA/lift, Lipo, and abdominoplasty and they gave me a prescription for 70 pills of Percocet. If you're supposed to take 1 every four hours, this translates to about 12 days. If you're still in pain, that's what the drugs are for. If you can replace every other dose with an OTC option, it would probably help you get off of them faster. I was mostly paranoid about liking my drugs too much, so I've always been very conservative in what I take, but if your doctor isn't concerned, and you still feel that you need that level of pain relief, then there's nothing wrong with using them! Hope you feel better soon!

[BeagleLover 1,020]

What about your meds in the hospital? I do take a number of them, does the nurse bring them crushed with something or just sit them there and have at it? lol. I have none that is liquid but the pain med.

The nurse gave me these gigunda pills for pain meds. I told her I would not be able to get them down-- they were too big. I asked for pain meds to be put into my IV. Worked out great. I suggest clearing that with the surgeon before your surgery to write the orders to have the pain meds in the IV.

[CBT 450]

I have a unique perspective, maybe. I had lower abdominal hernia repair 11/13 and circumferential LBL 2/14. The hernia repair was a long, hardcore recovery. Lots of pain meds for 2 weeks then at the end of long days or days of over doing it for 2 more weeks. So I was on Norco for 2 weeks with a 2 week taper.

The LBL was no where near the intensity of recovery or pain. I could stand up straight on 3rd day. Not that the LBL didn't have any associated pain just really different.

I would also suggest using ice for your comfort.

[#9grammy 274]

My surgeon ordered Lortab elixir, all ready filled and ready to go. Wow today is my last day, still no suitcase packed. Don't need much from what I've been reading on here. Here's to a good day today to all the Oct 27-28 sleevers and those who are coming up in a few days good luck too you to.

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

Ok. .I had LBL, breast implant/ lift, arm lift and small thigh lift all at once. Recover kicked my ass, but it wasn't pain. It was tired, mild blues etc.

[artymama 170]

CBT, thanks for your reply. I appreciate your unique perspective having had both types of procedures seperatly . I do think the hernia repair had caused the majority of my discomfort.

The plastic surgeon thinks so too! I have been able to cut back to 2 pills a day and will work down to 1 at night by the end of week 2. The incision for my panni goes way around to my back on both sides , which is longer than your typical incision I think .