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And another (important) question......

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Posted 12/3/2012 6:08 AM (GMT 0)
Ok, I would really appreciate as many responses as possible. At one month post-transplant (no additional problems, labs all looking good, incision healing nicely, no signs of infection/swelling, drs pleased with progress) - how many of you were still in enough pain to warrant 120mg morphine ER and 15-30mg oxycodone per day? (And still complaining of pain!)

Thanks everyone!

Post Edited (Splashdancer) : 12/2/2012 11:11:56 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/3/2012 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
Mike had NO pain. He was weak as a kitten. And took NO pain med when he got out day 10.
Posted 12/3/2012 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
No pain meds for Ron - he had very little pain from the transplant surgery.....now the open heart surgery - he's in lots of pain.
Posted 12/3/2012 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Phil had been opened back up @ 3 weeks post transplant, so he was on pain meds longer than most, but since he left the TP hospital he was given Tramadol, and doesn't take them either.

Hope the pain goes away!!

Debbie
Posted 12/3/2012 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Splash, was he taking heavy pain meds prior to transplant? If so, his system was accustomed to pain meds and therefore he required a larger dose. I went home on oxycodone 10 mg, I believe, as well as my usual 7.5/500 Lortab for arthritic problems. He should try weaning down or not taking them as often. If he's taking it every 4 hours, he should try stretching it to 5.

During transplant, I also had a hernia repaired. (I'd had 3 previous ones done, as well. Then I was opened up again in March. So my pain was longer lasting than most as there were a lot of adhesions and mesh taken out and replaced. Transplant Clinic finally sent me to Pain Clinic. I went twice for new Rxs of oxycodone, but during that time, I was tapering off on my own. When my 2nd Rx from PC was finished, I didn't renew...didn't need it.

As a former druggie (although in the distant past), I have to be aware of whether I REALLY need another pain pill after 4 hours (or 6.)

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 12/5/2012 5:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys! RC, I hope your husband is feeling better - he's in my thoughts. Connie, yes he was taking about the same amount before tx. He's been taking pain meds for quite awhile; besides this illness he was also in a car accident and had 2 workplace accidents over the past 5/6 years. He really needs to get off of these meds soon. Although he hasn't drank in about 6 yrs, as a recovering alcoholic/addict he should not be taking any type of narcotic, IMO. And it's a double whammy for him - addictive personality + zero tolerance for pain. His next clinic appt. is next Wed. and I am going to speak with his TC about it. I just want him to get/stay well. Also, according to his surgeon the donor liver was in 'pristine condition' and I feel he needs to do everything in his power to keep it that way and treat it like the precious gift that it is.
Posted 12/5/2012 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
"And it's a double whammy for him - addictive personality + zero tolerance for pain."

Same here. It's best if the doctor puts him on a taper schedule with the pain meds, to gradually reduce dose and/or how many times he can take it within 24 hours. He is going to have some discomfort, but the idea is to get down to the least possible dose that is effective. He cannot just be taken off them cold turkey, which can cause seizures and other problems. Unlike intravenous drugs, oral meds have a half-life and it takes longer for the body to metabolize them. He could possibly look into a Fentanyl patch or something similar.

Hugs,
Connie
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