Non-Morphine Pain Meds....concerns

[Mrs. Reid 392]

One of my biggest concerns is prescription pain meds. Here in Minnesota we have such a heroin problem because people who take prescription meds get hooked on them and after they can't get them anymore they turn to heroin to get their fix. We are supposed to have the strongest, purest heroin available in the country on the streets of Minneapolis. Last time I had minor surgery I refused pain killers after surgery because I was afraid of getting addicted. If I can be addicted to food I can be addicted to anything. I am no martyr....I am allergic to morphine (gives me migraines). Anyone who did not take morphine? Chime in on what you took and how dependent you felt.

[BloomingLotus 179]

In the hospital I was given dilaudid which I didn't do well with, so I was switched to morphine. I was sent home with Tylenol with codeine.

Edit: I didn't feel dependent on my take home meds at all. I hate that fuzzy feeling so I would take a half dose just to be comfortable, mainly to sleep. I stopped completely after 3 days. I would say i didn't use 2/3 of the bottle.

Edited February 17, 2015 by BloomingLotus

[Jazmundo 58]

I never took morphine. I didn't need any pain meds after the 2nd day. Not even Tylenol. I had a great surgery.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

I'm allergic to morphine, too. Didn't need it. I have no idea what they gave me in the hospital, but I was out in 24 hours and off pain meds right away.

[Pac-woman 325]

I am no expert in medication, but I don't believe morphine is a proper pain killer for this type of surgery anyway. They will most likely give you Vicodin, or Percocet (I was given Percocet). And honestly, I used it on the first day home to go to sleep. I did again on the second day to make sure I sleep well since you have to sleep on your back. On the third day, I was over it. I was able to get a good rest because by then I did some walking (minimal) but some and it got me tired enough.

Unless you have had a real issue in the past or you suspect something that may happen, I don't think you have an issue. But regardless, speak your concerns with your surgeon and Case Mgr/Nurse.

BTW, at the hospital, I don't know what was in the IV bag, but I believe it wasn't morphine. I have had morphine for migraines(big mistake) and I don't like the way it made me feel. So I would certainly know if they have given it to me. Once they took my pain pump away, they had me on Loratabs. Makes you drowsy and sleepy and you sleep of your recovery time.

Edited February 17, 2015 by Pac-woman

[Elode 8,093]

I had my morphine pump for two days in the hospItal and then liquid lortab and eventually oxycodone because I was in quit a Bit of pain so they had to up the meds. All was well. No addiction but the oxy sure did take away all the pain!!

[jess9395 5,450]

IV TYLENOL which worked wonderfully. Sent home w liquid lortab and never used it

[kyrickchick64 468]

I have had so many surgeries c section (morphine...the after video is me dragging my hand down my face like it was melting) gal bladder (vicodin) hysterectomy(diluidid/vicodin at home) hernia(vicodin) knee replaced x 2 different surgery(dilaudid/vicodin @home for like 3 months) and I'm getting a pain pump (not sure what's going in it)vicodin( home)for my sleeve. I doubt you will have a problem unless you have had a controlled substance problem before.

Edited February 17, 2015 by kyrickchick64

[Justajenn 65]

No narcotics for me. In the hospital they gave IV toradol (just a NSAID) and was sent home with sublingual version. I just took Tylenol though and that covered any discomfort I had. I really didn't have any pain just super tired.

[Kimnickless08 16]

For me I'm glad they gave me morphine drip though it was very weak.when I got home I was real gassy from surgery and I was so bruised. My dr works different from others I only had to be on liquid diet for 5 days I think then mushy then solids. But had the band.

[smileyone86 18]

I don't do well with narcotics and I discussed that with the dr's prior to surgery. I took Toradol for pain in the hospital. I did not take any additional pain meds when I left. I didn't need them, not even Tylenol.

[yogachick 56]

I'm allergic to morphine as well and don't take pain meds. Toradol is the strongest thing I'll take and usually only on the day of a surgery. Tylenol does jack crap for me so I don't bother.

[bruni 38]

i've never had a worry about becoming addicted to pain meds so I can't really relate. To me that is a huge leap...one, I've never even been close to making...

I had dilaudid in the hospital and then liquid oxycodone at home -- and I used them both and have given them both up...no problems.

good luck

[A2artgrl 15]

Morphine has no effect on me...I spoke with my doctor the morning of my procedure and explained this...he wasn't a proponent of morphine anyways (but I'm glad I spoke up). I was given dilaudid and toradol in the hospital, and sent home with norco (I used it for a couple of days, didn't need it after that).

[bikrchk 1,313]

I can't take hydrocodone by mouth without puking on a GOOD day. The day they removed 90% of my stomach was NOT a good day. I didn't take\need narcotics. I chewed up some grape Tylenol Jr's and I was good to go. I was very lucky. No complications and made a quick recovery. Others have a harder time and need pain meds so they can move around and get better. YMMV.