He was Hit by a Car.

Hello-

My Boyfriend was run over by a car, and well I just have a few things that I don't understand. When he was admitted to the hospital the did two surgerys. The first one was to remove a blood clot from his brain, the second one was to place steel plates in his leg because it was broken in two places on his tibia. He was in such critical condition that he had to placed on central line. Short after being placed on the central line, his lungs collapsed. They placed him on a ventilater. Now they gave him hydrocodone and morphine. But why would they give hydrocodone when he has a kidney diease and when they tried to remove the ventilater he could barely breath on his own. Doesn't Hydrocodone cause short, weak breaths to? He is also having withdrawls from the hydrocodone? Is this normal and what are the usual symptoms of these "withdrawls"?

[helpwanted1972]

some on here can explain better than I, but hydrocodone slows breathing. and how much i suppose depends on the dosage. withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms include muscle aches and pains ... depression.... some anxiety... sleeplessness and the runs. i have had some panic attacks with mine in the last few days, but from what i gather its not common. i think those are related to a number of things im going through. i find it quite odd that they would administer morphine and hydrocodone at the same time. since they both affect the same receptors (someone correct me if im wrong).
its not the actual hydro that is bad for they kidneys as i understand it... its the tylenol that accompanies it that creates the kidney issue. If you are concerned i would approach the docs at the hospital and ask them why they are giving him the meds they are and why both the hydro and morphine are needed.
good luck and my heart goes out to you as you deal with this situation.

[chrosty]

I have to agree that you should speak with the docs at the hospital. Its the tylenol in the hydrocodone that you should be worried about. However are they giving him this thru an IV that would be a different story if they were ive only because ive never heard heard much about hydro thru intervenous usually i would think morphine and demerol stuff like that. If i were you i would just talk with the docs and nurses and ask them why the hydrocodone. Let us know how this all turns out and im praying for you both.Luv to you~Chros

[RRivers]

I just wanted to say I wish you both the very best.  It sounds like Bryan has a hard row to hoe, I hope all goes well and that things get better soon.

As always,
Best of luck, and keep the faith
Ren

[fishmeal]

Withdrawals are like a very bad flu with the runs.

[pacnwgrl]

I don't think  he would have  w/d  from being on opiates for a  short time (such as a traumatic hospital stay).   Only after long term  use and abuse  would  he have w/d.  Using opiates  in his situation (brain injury) the benefits would outweigh the risks.   It's a balancing act the drs have to manage for the good of the patient.
Good  luck