Stomach Incisional surgery and oxycontin dependancy

[lockj]

I have had Crohns disease for 25 years and have been on pain meds since then. I now take Oxycontin, 80mg every 7-8 hours. I am scheduled for hernia surgey in 3 days and am terrified that I will have terible withdrawl symptons from not taking the oxycontin. I am sure they will give me Demorol because I have had surgery in the past and Morphine made my heart race to dangerous levels and gave me no relief. The demerol had worked in the past but I wasnt on the oxycontin the last time I had surgery.  My question is will I get the relief I need on the demerol? I know that with demerol you get highs and lows and with the oxy you are at a constant level for the 8 hours or so. its the lows on the demorol I am worried about. Will I be comfortable or am I in for a terrible battle.
Thank you for your time
lockj

[sigourney]

I had a major abdominal surgery from a 180 mph head on collision.  my abs are still not connected.  just a skin graft holds my instestines in, and it sticks out like a basketball.  they gave me demerol after the surgeries, and I was in no pain...and both my legs and ankles were broken too.  I honestly think that you have nothing to worry about pain-wise.  they will take care of you.  I wonder why morphine bothers you, but not oxy?  they are both opiates.  Try to relax before surgery and don't get yourself worked up.  adrenaline can make things worse.  they will make sure you are comfortable.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I cannot predict whether Demerol will give you the appropriate relief.

With such chronic use of Oxycontin, larger doses of narcotic treatment may be necessary.  This needs to be discussed with your surgeon or medicine consultant.  

Obtaining a pain management or anesthesia evaluation can be considered to help with your post-op course if pain is an issue.

This issue should be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com