Question:
Oxycontin-is it absorbed effectivly post op

I am 3+ months post op following a Lap DS. I have taken Oxycontin for chronic spine pain for several years but lately it seems to not be as effective as previously experienced. Both my surgeon and pain clinic doc said I should be ok as regards mal-absorption and pain control. I have been more active since surgery and have been exercising but don't think that should be a significant factor. Has anyone else on Oxycontin noticed a decrease in quality of pain control since surgery?    — Elle H. (posted on November 10, 2001)

November 10, 2001
Is it timed release (sustained release)? Or regular tabs? I've noticed that many of my contemporaries have had to increase or change the form of their estrogen. As distal as I am, it works perfectly as it is for me. Some drugs can be used in a lighter form me, others need to be higher dosage. If it is not working, then adjustment maybe necessary. Can the pharmacist tell you where within the system it is supposed to be broken down & absorbed?
   — vitalady

November 11, 2001
I have been on this med for over a year. Just am 7 weeks post-op. I have not noticed any difference in pain relief. Maybe if you are not getting the pain relief that you were, it is time to increase your dose. I am on 20mg, 3 times a day. Good luck.
   — [Anonymous]

November 11, 2001
I also am a chronic pain person. I have been on meds for 1 1/2 years which is almost the same as oxycontin (methadone) and was informed by both my pain management doc and the surgeon that my meds would have to be increased because of the absorb thingy. I am having open RNY Distal. Might be worth checking into as they are gonna begin increasing mine as soon as I have surgery.
   — Melody F.

June 27, 2004
I've had a problem with malabsorption of my chronic pain meds post-op (I was on Vicodin). Since you're already on a rather strong pain med, you might want to ask your doctor about the Duragesic (fentanyl) patch. It's designed for chronic pain patients who've built up a tolerance to opoid medications, but it's great for WLS patients because there's no malabsorption problem, as the medicine is dispensed through your skin. One patch lasts three days, and you don't get the highs and lows associated with pills--it's a steady stream. I've been using it for a month, and it's truly excellent. (The only problem I have is getting the patch to stick for three days, but I called the manufacturer, and they sent free adhesive covers that last longer.) :)
   — Stephanie M.

Click Here to Return