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still on pain meds post acdf c-4-7

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Posted 9/9/2014 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
17 days post op and still taking pain meds at least 2 times a day. I tried to go without yesterday and gave in about 10pm.i just couldn't get comfortable! Tylenol isn't doing a darn thing.i had ice on and off, which felt good while its on but i can't have it on 27-7.
Posted 9/9/2014 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
I had C5 Fusion and was still taking pain meds 3-4 times per day for several weeks. I had a really bad surgery though and I'll need another fusion for C4 & C6 eventually so I'm still on meds.

I was in a neck brace for about 7 months. I didn't drive for 3 weeks and was home for 2 weeks from work.

If you feel medication is needed then take it, only when you're are totally fine is when to taper off. You'll know exactly what day it will be when you get there.
Posted 9/9/2014 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
I'm on pain meds after over a year.
Posted 9/9/2014 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
Read any of the other Fusion threads to be reminded we heal at different rates, we all would prefer to not have pain, and certainly would prefer to not be on pain meds, but here we are. Take care of yourself now so that you can rest, heal and move on with your life when it's time. You know it's better to control that pain than to chase it.

Be very gentle with yourself. Come here and be encouraged to keep on keeping on with this recovery process. It's really a long road! And not a very straight road.
Posted 9/9/2014 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Abilene is so right, there are many recent people here that have had surgery & have been wonderful about posting their recovery. Read their posts, its the best education you will get about surgery & the recovery. If you are maintaining 2 pain pills a day it sounds like you are improving. The key to it is listening to your body & be patient. You are getting there.

Take care.
Posted 9/9/2014 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
I really wouldn't worry about still needing pain medications since you are only 17 days out of surgery. I had my fusion and laminectomy in 2009 and still take pain meds. It takes a good while for the body to heal and you will have pain while that is going on and perhaps even after things appear to be all mended. I wouldn't beat yourself up over it at all.
Posted 9/9/2014 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Listen to your body, and remember, your doc rx'd the pain meds for you to utilize to help you not to suffer needlessly. The goal isn't to "numb" you into nothingness, but rather to manage your pain so that you can rehab safely and adequately.

You are so fresh out of surgery, your journey has just begun. We see many folks not adequately manage their pain in the beginning and it makes recovery longer and harder.













M.
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