Pain Meds - How Long Did You Take?

[SeattleSleever 23]

I was sleeved one week ago today and recovery has been smoother than expected. I spent the holidays with family at home and didn't even leave the house (or my sweatpants) for the first five days. I was diligent about staying ahead of the pain and took two oxycodone every 4-6 hours as prescribed.

Now that I'm entering my second week and getting out and about more I am trying to wean off the narcotics and rely on Tylenol for pain relief. However I'm finding the more active I am, the more fatigued I get and the more irritated and painful my incision sites feel. I feel like I should be able to cope without the Oxy's but Tylenol just isn't as effective and I have a low tolerance for discomfort.

How long is too long to stay on pain meds? Are most done with them after a few days, or is it "normal" to use them a bit into the second week? Am I a big baby who needs to just suck it up and accept that a little pain is part of this journey?

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[mylighthouse 782]

I had a liquid form of hydrocodone that I took for 3 weeks. I really needed it. Had one incision that was really painful, plus the bruising around it made it worse.

And, like you, the more active I was, the more painful the incision areas and my stomach in general were.

I don't think you're a big baby at all, but pain is definitely part of the journey. There's nothing wrong with taking pain med when you are really hurting, in my opinion.

[highfunctioningfatman 2,675]

Everyone is different. Your pain level will vary from mine. I have used Tylenol once since surgery and I was off the pain meds within 4-6 hours of the actual surgery.

[suzzzzz 1,005]

I went off them after 2 days because I just don't like taking drugs and they tend to cause Constipation. The muscle by biggest incision hurt but I found ways to tolerate it. Actually helped me to move around more. Also, i live by myself so i needed to get around and be able to drive. Totally about what works for you.

[Mimiof3 33]

I'm one week post op and I quick taking mine on day five

[smyleetn 55]

I wasn't given oxy I wish lol, I was told to take 2 pills every 6 hours. I did that for 3 days then started only taking 1 for about 4 more days and once a day vs every 6 hours. I have a low tolerance for pain. I noticed that it was discomfort vs pain and Tylenol worked. now I'm not taking anything. Surgery dec 8

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[White Sale 339]

I was given liquid hydrocodone with Tylenol. It wasn't the most effective for me. However, I stopped taking the max dosage at about post-op day 5.

On day 7 now, I just take it before bed if I really need it.

I'm sure you know, but be very careful with those Oxys, SleevedByChristmas. There's a reason for the recent heroine epidemic in the US.

Best to you!

Edited December 28, 2016 by White Sale

[sc101071 398]

Until that sweet sweet nectar was gone. But mainly for myself.

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[wyominggirl 30]

I took mine for 2 days after surgery then quit. I did take a muscle relaxer for about a week after at bedtime

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[HeidiSue2009 48]

I am also one week post op RNY. I was provided Oxycodone. I took 1 pill every 4 hours at first. Now, I take 1 pill every 6-8 hours. I have 4 pills left. I also share your concern. But, I think I will be fine with the transition to Tylenol for pain relief.

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[LittleBill 2,231]

I was off mine during the day on the second day. I took it at night before going to bed for a few more days just in case I rolled over. I wanted to minimize the chances of waking up because of a sharp pain. As has already been said, everyone is different in their situation both because of tolerance and the way our body was handled. Good luck with it!

[Andell 53]

I'm going back to work so I'll be taking it for a while. If I were still home I wouldn't need it

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[wruiz 49]

Took mine for about four days, then started Tylenol, last night my incisions (the biggest two) were really hurting, I couldn't get comfortable, I tossed and turned until 2am and finally gave in and took my pain med, but that was the first time, and yesterday was the most active I've been. I walk everyday, but I did some light housework, took it easy today and just laid around.... headed for my walk now!!!!

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[RNMomof4 86]

I don't see any problem with using the pain meds as prescribed and for the length of time prescribed. Wouldn't think there would be any need for a refill.

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[newstart12 1]

I was off my pain meds by day 6

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