Recovering addict post op

[Rucamama 104]

So I finally made it to the other side! I had my Gastric Bypass surgery on dec. 5th at 730am, I wanted to share the little experience I had after surgery. So a little history on myself bc this is the part I want to share bc I have read everywhere on the internet about people asking about surgery and Suboxone. I’m a recovering addict, I was a iv drug user. I’ve been clean for 3 1/2 years. I was worried they would not do surgery on me because of my past and bc of the meds I currently take to keep me on the straight and narrow. I searched the internet before I saw my surgeon I worried I wouldn’t be able to have surgery, well there wasn’t a whole lot out there. I told my surgeon and he was luckily aware of what the medication was and how it would affect me, his only demand was that I was actually clean from abusing drugs for two years. Which I was, I switched over to subutex a month prior to surgery. The naloxone in suboxone would have a bad affect with the pain meds given at surgery. I had no problems with the switch over. Prior to surgery I met with anesthesia and they had a plan, they suggested I do the duramorph shot (the shot in your spine), which sadly I denied which I wish I would have done because when I got into recovery immediately after surgery I woke up in extremely bad pain. I was trying to sit up and move and I was yelling in pain.... it freaking hurt!! They were aware of my meds which is very important don’t try to hide it. They spent the whole day trying to make me comfortable. I was on dilaudid, it was till the afternoon they switched me to toroidal that I finally got relief. But I still got up and walked and used washroom. I finally got some rest. The next day I was like a new person. Still sore but my pain was under control. I was never treated any differently, which has always been my worry. I started taking my regular meds the 2nd day, I actually got to go home that evening too. We went home filled my meds, and felt so good to go home. I’m home now and I’m doing well, the only thing that is really bothersome is the drain, I get it and my staples removed on Tuesday. Oh and changing the bandaids that is the worst!! I’m drinking Water and on clear liquid diet till Tuesday. If anyone is wanting this surgery and on suboxone and has any questions please feel free to ask me. I can only share my journey and what my experience was but it’s nice to know there is someone out there that you can talk to oh also I have been fine with the pain meds they send u home with. I have only used it twice in the 5 days I’ve been home. So hopefully this helps someone and feel free to ask any questions.

[Maggie1955 158]

Congratulations to you on kicking your drug habit. Good luck on your weight loss journey.