Question:
How long did you have to use pain meds after surgery?

Hi All, Open rny on 12/2/02. Wound infection set in a week later. On wound vac for who knows exactly how long. I am still in quite a bit of pain at least once or twice a day. I try to take only one pain med per day (changed to percocet). The pain has diminished (down from a constant 7-9 to a 2-4), but has never gone completely away yet. When does the pain go away and how long did you have to use pain meds? Thanks.    — Mary Ann B. (posted on January 5, 2003)

January 5, 2003
Hi Maryanne--I was open RNY on 11/14 w/ subsequent wound infection and it opened up. I was on liquid Roxicet post-op and took it for about 2 weeks. At about week 3 I was able to go to 1-2 x day. Week 4 found me taking it just at bedtime--by week 6 and more wound closure I only took it maybe twice that week--amazingly as the wound closed, the "achiness" diminished. I am now closed--almost 8 weeks, and haven't needed it. I compared my incisional pain to the tenderness of an ingrown toenail!!!!--only 14 inches in length and even the heaviness of my winter coat irritated it. Good Luck!!
   — Wannabe A.