How do I manage additional pain?

[terripage]

I have Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthrits and Fibromyalgia, so I have chronic pain. I take several medications, some of which are narcotic pain killers (Oxycotin, Percocet, Neurotin). I'm having shoulder surgery later this month and I'm a little concerned since I'm already taking all these meds - how will the dr. be able to manage this additional pain? Thanks

[TrudieC]

I was attracted to your post because I have fibromyalgia and Lupus &/or RA and am still trying to get some relief for this awful pain.

I hope that all goes well with your surgery and that the pain is managed well for you.  Do come back and let us know how you're doing.

[optimus22mac]

Hi, I was in a similar position last May....I was taking Oxycontin and Percocet for my broken tailbone, and was becoming quite tolerant to them, and I had a major surgery scheduled to remove a portion of my coccyx bone--a very painful surgery with a lengthy and very painful recovery.  It is very important to make sure that all the doctors know your doses, so that they can give you the correct amount of anesthesia, and post-op meds.  They gave me my regular doses of Oxycontin and Percocet post-op and IV Morphine--which helped with the additional pain.  Shortly after the surgery, I was switched to Hydromorph Contin for extended release, and Dilaudid for breakthrough because the Oxycontin and Percocet were not sufficient.  I was taking the max of percocet, and they could have upped my Oxycontin, but I was open to the change to the stronger meds, and they were VERY successful for me, and had fewer side effects also!  There are other medications that you could possibly be switched to also, besides the Hydromorph Contin and Dilaudid----or depending on your current prescription, your dosages may be adjusted.
So....there are some options for you, and let your doctor know of your concerns asap, so that a plan can be in place before your actual surgery.
Good Luck:)

[cha_p]

i don't really have any help to offer but i just want to tell you i pray everything goes well for you. my mom has everything you have and i have seen her struggle all my life. ya'll are definitely strong people. best of luck to you & prayers.

[terripage]

I am really scared and I don't understand why.  I have had numerous surgeries before, but I keep hearing that the rotator cuff surgery is really really painful.  I have had neck surgery twice (broke a vertebrae once and herniated two more discs the 2nd time) and I was back at work within a week.  I severed my archilles tendon last year and was in a wheelchair about 8 weeks, but back at work in two weeks.  This time I am really scared tho.

[Mollyrae]

Hello terri and welcome to the Forum.

Your Doctor will most likely ask you to try and cut back on what you currently take so that your meds are somewhat more effective. After your surgery, most Surgeons or Doctors will increase your pain meds for a short period of time or until you're at a comfortable level of pain to decrease them.

It is always wise to have a talk with your Doctor concerning this. Ask him if he is willing to do this and what your options are for added pain management.

Make sure that all of your questions are answered before you have surgery. This way, you'll know what to expect afterwards.

I hope this helps.
My best,
Mollyrae

[RunningMom]

Are they going to have you quit or majorly cut down on the narcotics before surgery?  The narcotics replace our pain receptors and when you have a major surgery, it's hard to manage the pain if you've been taking them for a peroid of time.  I know this for a fact, I went through with it twice.  

You will want to discuss this with the surgeon too.  Make sure he is willing to give you the PCA pump, which is stronger medicine.  You will be able to inject morphine every 10 minutes if you need it while your in the hospital.