How to quite perc due to post-op pain control after opiate use prior to surgery?

[Papillonxxx]

I have degenerative joint disease and near complete rotator cuff tears affecting both shoulders and am going to schedule my first of two Reverse Total Shoulder Joint Replacements soon. I have for 2 years taken one 5/325mg Percocet with acetaminophen one time daily at 6pm and maybe twice a week added one more at noon (to get through chores as arm movement is quite painful).  I thought by keeping the dose so low and suffering through the pain...knowing i was coming at any time to a point where i was going to need surgery...I would be okay when it came to controlling post-op surgery pain...especially since it is done as outpatient and I live 3 hours from the doctor.  The surgeon said any amount of opiate that the body has become "use" to will affect pain control after the surgery and that scared me.  I am wondering what to expect as far as side effects and how best to quit the percocet?  I am also wondering how long until the brain starts to forget about opiates (the physiology part). I never took it for a "feel better" feeling.  It really only took the edge off the pain as I never upped the dose.  My shoulder pain is very real, and I would like to get off the percocet in such a way that it doesn't cause a "flare" of the shoulder pain?  I had no idea such a small dose, according to what I have read, can take the brain 2 to 3 months to not "recognise" a narcotic? Is that true?  I am scared i will be home after surgery with inadequate pain control after having my joint cut out of me.  Thank you

[dominosarah]

Have you tried Toradol?  That is a non narcotic pain med.  I too hope your surgery is soon as that way you can get this behind you.  Keep us posted on how you are doing.

[10356]

Hello Pappillon. Welcome to the forum. My husband took 1 Vicodin a day for a few years also With a extra Once in awhile. When he stopped He experienced being Emotional for a few days. Trouble sleeping for a few days but this was pretty much it If he felt restless he just puttered around to keep his mind off it. It lasted I think 4 days our so for him.. As far as the shoulder replacements I have had my left done. I do no think that 1 a day is going to effect your pain control but getting off is always a good thing. They will be giving you a stronger drug while in the hospital. Then I was sent home with 2 percs every 4 to 6 hours as needed. I think I got off pain meds at the 3 our 4 week mark, It hurts like hell in the beginning but it feels so much better then how they feel before. Shoulders are non weight bearing so they heal up pretty fast. Well this is my experiences I hope others come along with theirs.. I wish you well with the Surgery's. lesa

[10356]

Usually the philological pull of the drug is thru Addiction a craving. Most that use it for pain relief and not the high Do not experience a Need to take more. Usually a non addict can walk away and just deal till they need the surgery At least this is my experience with my hubby. He has had both knees replaced with many surgery's before Also on both shoulders that are also tore and non repairable.

[10356]

The physiological effect you are referring to usually only happens with Addicts as we crave the high. when someone quits that uses for pain only They have a easier time. Hubby quit before his knee replacements. He was able to just stop and Not think about it but to wait for his surgery. I sure Hope this is how it goes for you. I also hope your surgery is soon. Take care.