Safe pain relievers

At the end of January I will be undergoing surgery to remove my tonsils and adenoids (adenoids). From what I've heard, the pain afterwards can be pretty intense, and more so because I'm 30. I will be prescribed pain medication afterwards, but I would like to be safe and careful about it, because of my history with alcohol. In the past I have been prescribed Percocet and Vicoden (after wisdom teeth), and both cause nausea and vomiting. Tylenol with Codeine has worked for me, but I'm not sure if it will be strong enough. I asked my general practitioner about it and he suggested the option of a new drug called Nucynta. However, after doing a little online research, I found that it suggests not to use Nucynta if one has had alcohol or drug addiction.
I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with an issue like this? Your input would be much appreciated.
Thank you and I hope everyone enjoys a safe, healthy and happy holiday!

[Punkinhead75]

In general I try to stay away from prescription pain meds.  When needed I take advil or tylenol.  Every now and then I need to take a muscle relaxer for my back.  My neighbor keeps the bottle for me and gives them to me when I need them.  The whole accountabilty thing seems to help a lot.  I understand that you may need something and there isn't anything wrong with that.  Please get help from someone else to help keep you sober.  Another thing I do is wait to see how bad the pain is.  This way I can decide if it is worth the risk of taking the pills.  Doctors and nurses have argued with me in the past telling me to get started before the origional pain meds wear off.  I chose to find out for myself and discovered that I was able to tolerate the pain with the help of tylenol.  Good luck with surgery.  It's been awhile since I heard much about tonsils but if I remember right ice cream helps:)  Take care and Merry Christmas!!

[Westguy1003]

Is the doctor performing the surgery aware of your past history with alcohol? I'm assuming not because if they were I doubt they'd prescribe that particular drug. I would advise you to talk with him/her about your concerns and see what else they can prescribe you, perhaps there's something that is better suited for someone in your situation.

I had my tonsils out at a relatively later age as well. For what it's worth, personally I don't remember there being pain as much as soreness, in which case they just tell you to eat ice cream or something similar. Really it's the best post-surgery directions ever and probably the only ones that EVERYONE follows. Point is I didn't need any meds to get through it, just ice cream :-)

I've always had a high tolerance for pain though.

[ibizan]

Edy's fresh frozen fruit bars in a variety of delish flavors are just what the doctor ordered!check em out!:)

[dominosarah]

Extra Strength Tylenol and ice cream!!  Tell your doctor about your past as that way you can come up with a plan together.  I had mine out when i was older also and it was the best thing for me.  No more sore throats!!   Good luck with the surgery~~~~Let us know how you are doing.        sara

[littleflower1980]

Thank you so much for the input everyone! I spoke with my doctor again, and reminded him of my history with alcohol. I think he just plain out forgot when he suggested the narcotic drug. He came up with the suggestion of Tramadol. I don't know if I can hack it without any sort of pain relief. My pain threshold is not terribly high, so I am grateful there are safe options. My mom will be taking care of me afterwards, and she is already aware that she is going to keep the medicine and administer it to me as needed.
I am currently stocking up on all sorts of frozen goodies, juices and broth for the first week or so. I also have plenty of Tylenol on hand. :)
Thanks everyone for your concern and kind words! I will keep you posted.
Happy New Year!

[ibizan]

Very wise of u to have ur mom administer the meds and monitor ur healing......awesome decision making there!hoping u have a smooth healing process!:)