Pain Medication not working after gastric bypass

[Sierrasmom2006]

Hello all I had gastric bypass July 1st 2002 I have Lupus and fibromyalgia and also had a severe upper intestinal blockage May of this year.  I suffer severe migraines sometimes as many as 20 a month.  I am on Norco and dilaudid the problem I am having I do not think they are effective orally.  When I get an inter-muscular injection of 2mg dilaudid it works great taking the migraine away, but when I take them orally there is little help not even taking the edge off.  I really feel this has something to do with the mal-absorption you experience after gastric bypass my doctor doesn't agree but Before my gastric bypass pain medication worked well and I only had to take small amounts.  I am really confused has anyone heard anything like this?

[Tuckamore]

I just wanted to make you aware that MedHelp does have other forums that may provide you with additional responses, our Lap Band Forum and our Gastroenterology Forum. We also have an "Ask a Doctor, Gastroenterology" section that may be helpful.

Again best of luck and please let us know how you are doing.
Tuck

[Tuckamore]

You could be correct in the malabsorption issue. Your surgeon or a gastroenterologist can better respond to your question.

I "lost" over 3 feet of my small intestine in a MVA. Any medication that is designed for absorption  (such as all enteric coated meds) in your small intestine are ineffective for me or any person with my condition. My PCP did not know this and repeated prescribed medications that were not absorbed well.

Talk to a specialist to see if this is indeed the case and take that information to your prescribing physician. However it is a well know fact that IM medications are much more effective than meds taken orally. You may just need a higher oral dose. Whatever the case may be find it's obvious you have to find the answer on your own and act upon it accordingly.  

Best of luck. Please let us know what you find out. We all learn from one another.

Take Care,
Tuck