need help for chronic knee pain/swelling post ACL surgeries

[judyjohnette]

I have chronic post op knee pain and swelling after 4 reconstructive surgeries.  I am a machinist and must go up and down steps into and out of a large machine all day.  I am seeing a pain management physician and have tried nerve stimulator, pain patchs and percoset.  Currently I am using the knee patches but feel like the long term use of percoset is causing me to have other health problems, i.e. ?liver damage, erectile dysfunction, etc.  I feel I can't function on my job without the percoset and am wondering whether a nerve block or total knee replacement is an option?  I desperately need advice, I am addicted to the percoset and am currently trying to stop using it "cold turkey"

[Tuckamore]

Hi judyjohnette,
Welcome to Medhelp. I am sorry you are having so much pain.  I understand how difficult it is to work when you hurt so bad. I've been there.

Yes there are other alternatives at least to the pain management medication. Percocet has contains acetaminophen, Percodan contains Acetylsalicylic Acid, or trade name Aspirin which does not have quite the liver issues with it. There are other meds you could take such as Oxycodone that is just the narcotic in the Percocet. I would not recommend going cold turkey without some assistance. Please discuss this with your PMP. And I am concerned for your safety because you are working off the ground while you are on pain medication. I understand you may feel you have no choice but this may be dangerous.

I don't know if a nerve block or surgery is an option for you, again this is something I would discuss openly and honestly with my PMP. I would encourage you to schedule and appt with him and do so.  

Again I am sorry you are having such pain and complications or concerns about your pain medication. Please talk to your PMP and keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Others will post with additional suggestions and information. Take Care, Tuck

[sandee1818]

Knee replacement will take a considerable amount of time to recover from, are you able to leave your job for that length of time and the nerve blocks could help but in my experience you will still need some sort of pain control along with it although it would possibly be a lesser amount.
Narcotics do cause sexual problems and can cause you to have addiction issues but if your in a lot of pain you must ask yourself if the side effects are worth the pain relief you get from the meds. I would suggest you talk to your Dr about this before going cold turkey, you do have other options and you will most likly need to have some kind of pain control so your putting yourself through needless pain. I will look into some other options you have with less side effects and get back to you soon.
I am sorry your going thru so much pain and having these side efects, hang in there we are here for you:)