Question:
What types of pain medications are usually prescribed post op?

During the past 10 years or so, I've taken a great deal of narcotic pain killers to deal with back injuries, hip and joint pain, oral surgery, etc. In the last year or so I've noticed that those regulary prescribed (namely vicodin and percocet) do virtually nothing for me anymore. I can take 4000mg of vicodin and not experience pain relief, and about 1400mg of percocet with the same results. I hesitate to take more for fear of health risks. Has anyone had a situation where the typical pain killers would not work, and what were you prescribed instead? I'm really concerned about this. I'm definitely less worried about being "loopy" than I am about hurting badly. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciate. Thanks!    — Debi L. (posted on October 2, 2000)

October 2, 2000
Definitely speak to your surgeon and your anesthesiologist about this. If you have developed a tolerance for these medications, you may have to go with a larger dose after surgery, or better yet, they may use an epidural for pain relief after surgery. For me, I only really need pain relief for the first few days. Once I was out of the hospital, I had Lortab elixir (same as vicodin?),but I barely used it. Good Luck!
   — Lynn K.

October 2, 2000
It sounds like you have built up a tolerance to these medications. Percoset is a very addictive drug, especially after long term usage. I would be very careful w/ what I took to relieve pain, if I were you. I have all kinds of back, knee, etc pain from pre op days but I will not take anything other than x-tra strength Tylenol due to the highly addictive qualities of many pain killers, especially w/ long term use. I used Celebrex pre op, to help w/ the pain. It is not addictive and is given to help w/ arthritis pain and is less hard on the stomach than other arthritis meds. If you stop the Percoset (not familiar w/ the other med) don't be surprised if you go thru withdrawal symptoms after using it for so long. I know it is difficult to not take these meds, especially when you are in a lot of pain. Many doctor's give these meds w/o even giving a thought to the addictive qualities of the drug. Sounds like you need a good assessment of what's going on w/ you by a well qualified physician that is knowledgeable about pain meds and addiction, etc. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU. {{{hugs}}} P. S. Being on narcotics for ten years is scary. I'd be very surprised if you have not become addicted to them. W/ the need for higher and higher doses, it is like the alcoholic when he/she starts out, it only takes one drink..then as time goes on...it takes more and more....til finally, the amt that they can consume w/o getting a "buzz" is unbelievable. The body builds up a tolerance and it takes much more.....please get an assessment from a qualified professional. I hope you dont get offended by what I have said here. I only mean to help. I have worked in the field of addiction for 20 yrs, til recently and I have seen this kind of thing happen many times to unsuspecting people that had the right intentions, initially and began taking the pain meds to help w/ their great physical discomfort. I hope all works out well for you. Pain is no "fun" thing to have to experience on an ongoing basis.
   — kathy S.