Post-abdominal hysterectomy surgery pain - alternatives to narcotics

[Homesick Gypsy]

I'm scheduled for a total abdominal hysterectomy in a few weeks. I am unable to take morphine or codeine (in any form) and am trying to educate myself about alternatives to narcotic pain relief.  I'd like to be able to talk intelligently to my doctor and anesthesiologist regarding alternatives.  My doctor has recommended an epidural (in case this has any bearing on the subject).

I've been reading good things about Toradol and also a local anesthetic "dripped" on the incision site for the first day.

Would like any and all suggestions, information.  Thanks.

[hthr4577]

I just had an abdominal hysterectomy and to not use narcotics your nuts its painful if you have had a c section scratch that no comparing!!!  this is painful!  use hydrmorphone - dilota thats what i used cause i too am allergic to many pain drugs. dont do the spinal if your under 40 yrs old you can get these incredible headaches, they were so bad that i seriously thought i had spinal cord damage, i couldnt hold my head up for three days i had to hold it up with both hands it was scary!!!!  and not to mention the biggest headache ive ever had in my entire life

[troid]

go to hystersisters.com    
everything you need to know about hysterectomies is on the site. also great forums there are alot of people over there that cant do narcotics either just browse the site or post a new thread someone will help im sure.

[troid]

i just had an lavh on aug 3rd they gave me some toradol when the dilaudid wasnt working and that helped ALOT. i would recommend asking for that, good luck to you.