Surgery & Opiate Addiction

[Junip]

Hi All,

I have fallen off the wagon again. I was having bad pain from some chronic female issue and started taking 1-2 Percocet 10/325 per day about two week ago. I saw my ob/gyn for bleeding in between cycles and the hemmoraging I have had during cycles. Tomorrow I am scheduled for a 15-20 minute D&C and hysteroscopy and biopsy under general anesthesia. I took one Percocet this morning.  If I do not take anymore today and none tomorrow,  do I still need to tell anesthesiologist? I am freaking out. My husband is telling me not to worry because he is on Oxy and Percocet and has had multiple surgeries but they knew what he was taking. I know i will not be under long but am still worried yet scared to disclose to my docs. Any advice is appreciated.  Sorry for the disappointing news.

[katmandu516]

Hey, calm down girlfriend. You are working yourself up into a tizzy. You are having major surgery. You will definitely need pain meds for awhile. Just try to take them as prescribed. I know it's hard when you are clean or trying to get clean, and then you need a surgery. You have to start all over again. But if you want it Junip bad enough, you'll stop when the Dr. says stop. Sending prayers and light and peace to you!  And keep posting to let us know how it went.
Kat

[Krissy_123]

Oh and when I had the hysterectomy I was still on the oxy back then and they even gave me my morning dose before the surgery because I was scared to take it. No one called me. I met the anesthetic guy right before I went in. They also ask what meds you're taking right before they take you in,well they put your iv in and stuff. Just tell them in the morning again if you're still worried.

[Krissy_123]

You're having a hysterectomy tomorrow? I had to have one too. Mine was due to cancer,they took everything but my ovaries and one tube. Had them removed 10 weeks ago now. You will be given pain meds when you wake up and when they send you home. But just give them to hubby to hold and administer to you. You'll do great!! Keep us posted!!

[meegWpaw]

hope you are doing ok Junip and that everything turns out fine.  :)

Meegan

[VICourageous]

Good Going.
Prays for YOU that ALL comes out just fine!!
Always be honest and tell them you have a Addiction problem and they will work it out with you..Be Safe, Be Good!
Bless

[refills]

Well it sounds like you have things worked out JJ. Don't worry about pills right now. Take care of your health because I know you'll be right back at taking care of your addiction tomorrow, or real soon. As long as your intentions are to quit then you will quit. I believe in you. Let's take care of your surgery first. I know everything will be OK Junip. Best Wishes as Always...ike

[Junip]

Thank you! So the anesthesiologist JUST called me! It is a new courtesy that they do because so many people are nervous before surgery. I was so appreciative and told him about the Percocet.  He said no worries, good to know but not one that causes big interaction. I feel a lot better. Thanks to all of you!

[vicki595]

I see. Chances are you're fine, though, so be brave and optimistic. Thinking of you-

[Junip]

And I am a massive worried :-)  Had melanoma before and they worry about uterine cancer.

[vicki595]

Okay. It was probably someone (nurse) doing a little pre op interview. They'll ask you more questions tomorrow; just to recap.

I hope you get calm JJ.  You sound overwhelmed...

[Junip]

Did not speak to anesthesiologist, just someone from hospital taking history.

[vicki595]

JJ- So you already spoke with the Anesthesiologist? Or someone on call today? I'm confused.  Anyway, tomorrow when you're in Pre Op, you'll have an opportunity to tell him/her.
It's important to be upfront about all meds prior to surgery BUT this is a small amount JJ.  You'll be fine.

Now, what makes you think this is cancer? Stop worrying!!

[BraneGame]

Try not to worry so much about telling them what medications you take. While your waiting in pre-op, the anesthesiologist will ask you what medications you take and thats that. TELL THEM THE TRUTH OF WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAKING. As long as your not high or disorientated they will most likely do the surgery. They have no reason to judge or question where you got the Percocet from. That being said you sound like taking the Percocet is taking a tole on you. Maybe you are ready to make a change in your life and get clean. Read some of the other posts on this sight and you can follow other people's journey to sobriety. Many have been in your shoes, including me.

[Junip]

Vicki, I am being completely honest about amounts. I just feel dumb now because I should have told lady today on call. Do you think it is ok as long as I tell tomorrow? And yes, I have had many of my scripts in past for various girly issues. You have made me feel a lot better. I really want to get this done and move on. And I dont want to drag out waiting to see if cancer another month!

[vicki595]

I don't understand why you're so worried about this. I think it's out of proportion sweetie. Is it just because you don't have an RX for the Percocet? Did you EVER have an RX?  Then there you go.

I've worked with many Anesthesiologists and, believe me, they don't ask where you got your meds. Mostly, they want to know what you took, when you ate, and if you smoke.  You don't take that much, if what you say is honest, so I doubt it will raise any flags.  Just be up front and tell the Dr. everything you take including aspirin, Motrin, supplements, etc...and don't worry.

[Junip]

I want to cancel the procedure and my husband is getting so mad at me. Should I go but just tell them what I have been taking?  I am making myself sick now with worry.

[Junip]

Thanks. My husband is unfortunately disabled and locks.up but with my problem the past two weeks.was giving me Percocet so i could go to work.

[Junip]

I will ask to speak to anesthesiologist alone.

[dominosarah]

You know you have to cut your supply off.  Redirect your anger and lay out a plan to be pill free.  Once you get thru your medical issues it will be easier also.  Female problems are no fun.  I so remember those days.  Hope everything comes out okay.

[Junip]

Nope, not prescribed to me. I am so angry with myself.

[dominosarah]

You need to tell them what you have been taking.  I take it the pills werent prescribed to you?

[BraneGame]

I had a similar procedure done, while on a very hight dose of Oxy. It is important to tell the doctor and anesthesiologist what you are on and have taken in the past two weeks or so. They can still do the surgery but they may have to alter the amount of anesthesia you need. You don't want to wake up during the surgery or get to much medication.

[spider6]

Yes...this sounds dangerous. Tell them.