real pain or withdrawal pain?

[meemums]

I've been cutting down on my hydrocodone (Lortab) since my hip replacement 7 weeks ago.  I was on that stuff for a LONG time for severe chronic pain though, so I've built up quite a tolerance to it.  Although I've cut down, I'm still on it, in lower doses and it's going okay, but today my prescription ran out.  I've only had a tiny amount today and that was about 10 hours ago.  My hip pain is starting to get to me.  I had physical therapy today too so I'm definitely a little sore and may be even more sore tomorrow.  Luckily I can renew my prescription tomorrow.  But tonight the pain is getting to me.  I wonder if this is real pain or is this pain from cutting down on my narcotic.  I'm taking tramadol to help with the aches, but it doesn't really work.  I was prescribed Clonidine for the withdrawals and it helps, but it knocks me out.  I feel like I could crawl in bed right now.  So, after 7 weeks post-op from hip replacement, do you think some of my current pain is from the withdrawal or is this genuine pain, esp. after I've had physical therapy?

[Tamethepain]

I would be afraid to mix all of those chemicals. You are relying on them too much. Withdrawl is never pleasant & you may be inadvertently trading one addiction for another. I was given Lunesta for sleeping & it has the opposite affect on me. I get wired & twitchy. I suffer through every night (day 7 off of norco) & drag thru the day. It hurts but the upside is that I'm not using. My hip is aching & I have lower back pain. My brain is creating pain & craving the drug. I keep telling myself this is not real. Sometimes I'm pain free, so I know it's not real. There is no easy way to do this. If you have had a gastric bypass then you know about eating & keeping the weight off & that will help the pain. I have heard horrible stories about serious complications after baratric surgery & irritated bowels due to pain meds. You've made some big life changes with these surgeries. Move forward. If itvis too much try a rapid detox in a medical environment. Your insurance may cover it. Good luck fellow hipster!

[stevepmd]

Just a tip if you are trying to stop using make sure you tapper off very slowly that way you should not withdraw.

Steve

[dominosarah]

Maybe the next time you have hip replacement they will have something new that wont be narcotic.....I am looking at a new hip at some point too.  Not looking forward to it at all.  Right now Motrin is taking care of the pain.....thank god!!  Hope you are feeling better today.........sara

[meemums]

The Tramadol is to help with the pain associated with the withdrawal because I'm trying to cut down/out the hydrocodone.  The Clonidine is to help with the cravings and it does help!  It knocks me out though and all I wanna do is sleep.  Weird.  That stuff is supposed to be a high blood pressure medicine.  How do people take it and stay awake when they need it for blood pressure I wonder!  I have an at-home blood pressure monitor I use that was recommended after my gastric bypass, so I keep an eye on the blood pressure while I'm on Clonidine.  I was also given Ambien in case I had any trouble falling asleep.  LOL!  When I take the Clonidine I can't hold my head up, so that's usually all I need to fall asleep.  

[meemums]

I don't take the tramadol that much.  Maybe one tablet every few days.  I've tried to take a tramadol INSTEAD of the hydrocodone now and then if I'm having pain.  Also, I've had ONE hip replaced, but the OTHER hip is showing signs of needing replaced too, so I've got occasional pain in that hip too, but it's now nearly as bad YET.  It's only a matter of time though.  I give my other hips TWO years, tops.  Then I'll be right back at that hospital doing it again.  **sigh**  I bet I'll be back on hydrocodone for it too.  

[meemums]

I'm 7 weeks post-op, not 7 months, but still I wonder if the pain is as much from the wd as real pain.  The pain is not that bad, but definitely enough to notice and to keep me awake!

[Tamethepain]

I had a hip replacement in 2005 & a revision in 2007. My descent into hydro addiction started then. You are also taking Tram  & have been prescibed w/d meds? While that may be premature I believe your pain is real as I still hurt at10 weeks post op. Give yourself some time, stop the tram & lengthen the time between doses.  By the way, if you hurt that much after PT you should tell the therapist & modify the exercises. Don't be in too much of a hurry. Were you in very good physical condition prior to surgery? If not, it is like starting an exercise regime with a marathon! Go slow with the exercise!

[Tamethepain]

I had a hip replacement in 2005 & a revision in 2007. My descent into hydro addiction started then. You are also taking Tram  & have been prescibed w/d meds? While that may be premature I believe your pain is real as I still hurt at10 weeks post op. Give yourself some time, stop the tram & lengthen the time between doses.  

[avisg]

I did not see you were on tram that is addicting as well and let me tell you the wd comeing off of that are much nastier . How many of them are you taking

[Calamity2]

I doubt you are going into wds while still taking trams

[avisg]

It wd pain  your body wants its fix and it is screaming at you to give it .It will get better it is going to take time .I would think 7 months should be enough time t get you to the point where you can be off of pain meds .The first  days are the worst for pain but it will get alot better .Many of us are chronic pain suffers there is a life beyond opiates it just takes time.
avis