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Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
98. You may be pleasantly surprised about surgery and amount pain control -
Thu Jul 19, 2018, 04:25 PM
Jul 2018

When I went in for treatment of rotator cuff injury 7 weeks ago, I caught the beginning of the class for folks having knee surgery - and heard what I thought was an indication the doctor was not going to give them pain medication. ( . . . there are other ways to deal with pain).

I've been doing physical therapy with those folks now for 7 weeks in a very small room, so I know they had access to opiod pain relief for at least two weeks (the therapists are asking about pain level, and which kind of pain relief they are taking). All but one of the group of around 10 didn't need pain relief after that period. The one did - largely because she has not been following the doctor's directions (not taking pain meds 30 minutes before physical therapy, not wearing her TENS unit to physical therapy, not doing exercises between visits). Everyone else seems largely pain free, with physical therapy mostly working on range of motion. (My mother is contemplating knee replacement - so I've been eavesdropping - and it would be hard not to because the PT room is only about 25 x 50)

So if the significant concern is pain relief, have a good long chat with the doctor about just how much relief, for how long, might be available.

Are you in a Medical Cannabis state? Raster Jul 2018 #1
My employer won't allow me to take medical MJ. Coventina Jul 2018 #3
OK, there are still topical preparations that might be effective. Raster Jul 2018 #7
CBD oil that contains no active THC components OUGHT to be ok, BUT it is NOT... YET hlthe2b Jul 2018 #10
The CBD I take only has .3% Heartstrings Jul 2018 #127
Not "legal" for Federal employees and military though. That's what I was referring to. hlthe2b Jul 2018 #128
i'm not recommending or suggesting anything but strangely Horse with no Name Jul 2018 #135
Try it. brokephibroke Jul 2018 #102
MMj makes me completely non-functional; it is definitely not a replacement for an opiate/opioid pain TheFrenchRazor Jul 2018 #165
What state are you in SarasotaDem Jul 2018 #2
Please see my reply above. Not an option, unfortunately. Coventina Jul 2018 #4
I have RA and other stuff. I use cannabis daily. NightWatcher Jul 2018 #5
The studies on NSAIDS have shown Naproxen to be the safest, though still some risk... hlthe2b Jul 2018 #6
For whatever weird reason, I'm allergic to Naproxen, even though I Coventina Jul 2018 #11
Can you alternate your NSAID with some Tylenol? pnwmom Jul 2018 #122
Tylenol has never done anything for me. Coventina Jul 2018 #123
I'm so sorry you're going through this. Habibi Jul 2018 #130
Yes! OTC Aleve (naproxen) @220 mg helps me a LOT!! Just once a day for my osteo aches... NurseJackie Jul 2018 #16
Ditto - also, icing knees after strenuous exercise helps. spooky3 Jul 2018 #43
Defintely a YMMV thing. Ms. Toad Jul 2018 #84
the studies I am referring to were those linking NSAIDs with Cardiovascular risk... hlthe2b Jul 2018 #87
I know of the general risks - Ms. Toad Jul 2018 #92
Yes, Naproxen is poison for me. Yet I can take ibuprofen all day long Coventina Jul 2018 #96
Have you discussed your dilimma with the cardiologist....... WillowTree Jul 2018 #8
He wants me to get multiple major surgeries. Coventina Jul 2018 #12
I have had all those surgeries over the last 3 years, and am fine now. MoonRiver Jul 2018 #69
Those surgeries have kept me out of a wheelchair. Croney Jul 2018 #81
Goodness, Coventina, get the surgeries. Mr Nay has had a back operation and both hips have Nay Jul 2018 #131
I had a right hip replacement 5 years ago. 3catwoman3 Jul 2018 #149
What about area51 Jul 2018 #9
Interesting, I'll give the cocoa a try. I do take the Glucosamine/Chondroitin combo. Coventina Jul 2018 #15
Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Hyalronic Acid, Circulmin [tumeric], and empedocles Jul 2018 #17
Yes, I take all of those. And the exercise as well. Coventina Jul 2018 #24
Cut down on the carbohydrates as much as possible nolabels Jul 2018 #72
Absolutely - Ms. Toad Jul 2018 #88
I just started on a keto like diet. I don't miss sugars at all. I feel full. Because applegrove Jul 2018 #151
Are Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors (infusions) for severe RA safer than NSAIDS? LeftInTX Jul 2018 #13
My arthritis is osteo, not RA. Coventina Jul 2018 #18
They won't work for OA..... LeftInTX Jul 2018 #28
As much as I dislike all the natural drug free ways to handle severe arthritis and I braddy Jul 2018 #14
I apologize, I'm not entirely sure what you are asking? Coventina Jul 2018 #20
Fully committing to stuff like this since you are being shut out of more simple help (drugs). braddy Jul 2018 #27
Well, I could try, but since I have a full-time job I have to be functional. Coventina Jul 2018 #32
Drug tests look for THC not CBD Phoenix61 Jul 2018 #19
Can you get that without a medical MJ card? Coventina Jul 2018 #26
My mom has good luck with CBD oil. There's lots to choose from on Amazon. Patterson Jul 2018 #60
Absolutely! Phoenix61 Jul 2018 #70
... Major Nikon Jul 2018 #118
Try CBD oil... it is legal in all 50 states (I've been told) no THC in it lapfog_1 Jul 2018 #21
I'm about to try that for my knees. Glucosamine just ain't doing it Roland99 Jul 2018 #90
it's very expensive and has minimal pain relieving effect, IMO. nt TheFrenchRazor Jul 2018 #166
You might be H2O Man Jul 2018 #22
I'll look into it., thanks! n/t Coventina Jul 2018 #29
Another helpful option, H2O Man Jul 2018 #75
Yes, taking the tumeric. Coventina Jul 2018 #80
is that also known as wild lettuce? Ed.: Yes -- just googled it RandomAccess Jul 2018 #74
Yes, it is. H2O Man Jul 2018 #76
I updated my post several times -- RandomAccess Jul 2018 #78
I've been able H2O Man Jul 2018 #82
LOL -- RandomAccess Jul 2018 #100
I just clipped H2O Man Jul 2018 #108
so how do you prepare them? RandomAccess Jul 2018 #109
I dry them, H2O Man Jul 2018 #111
I wish I were better at identifying herbs so I could wildcraft some RandomAccess Jul 2018 #112
They grow well H2O Man Jul 2018 #115
ROFL RandomAccess Jul 2018 #116
Proofe you haven't H2O Man Jul 2018 #117
Oh my! RandomAccess Jul 2018 #120
What's up with those old injuries coming back? hunter Jul 2018 #106
Right! H2O Man Jul 2018 #110
I quit taking ibuprofen PatSeg Jul 2018 #23
Thanks! I will look into that. Coventina Jul 2018 #34
I am surprised PatSeg Jul 2018 #93
IV Mag postpartum is usually given for preeclampsia Horse with no Name Jul 2018 #138
I'm quite sure her blood pressure was high PatSeg Jul 2018 #146
My doctor says Magnesium Citrate. hunter Jul 2018 #107
That is a laxative. I wouldn't recommend that. n/t Horse with no Name Jul 2018 #137
Heh. Maybe my doctor thinks I'm full of shit. hunter Jul 2018 #142
thats always the bomb I suggest to constipated patients Horse with no Name Jul 2018 #143
I was given Pennsaid (which is diclofenac sodium) cream Horse with no Name Jul 2018 #136
I use magnesium oil and haven't noticed any help with pain RandomAccess Jul 2018 #79
That's too bad PatSeg Jul 2018 #95
Not for pain, per se RandomAccess Jul 2018 #103
I'd never heard of Arnica gel PatSeg Jul 2018 #113
Defnitely give it a try RandomAccess Jul 2018 #114
Thank you PatSeg Jul 2018 #145
I was just using some of the last bit of a really good RandomAccess Jul 2018 #148
magnesium oxide is usually the best preparation for muscle cramps/pain Horse with no Name Jul 2018 #140
Oh, okay. I'll keep that in mind. RandomAccess Jul 2018 #144
I mostly rely on herbal remedies cally Jul 2018 #25
Yep, I guzzle the tumeric and garlic as well. Coventina Jul 2018 #35
Kratom. Order from: JanetLovesObama Jul 2018 #30
If she works for the government, Kratom can be on several agency lists of site banned substances. haele Jul 2018 #77
Try this for three weeks. Baitball Blogger Jul 2018 #31
Thanks. I've been taking the tumeric for a while now. Coventina Jul 2018 #41
My mother got opioids for a similar situation JenniferJuniper Jul 2018 #33
Here in AZ, it's almost impossible to get anything beyond Tramadol. Coventina Jul 2018 #45
That's the drug I was trying to remember - Ms. Toad Jul 2018 #94
Vitamin D3 supplements ? MarvinGardens Jul 2018 #36
Thanks, yes, I've been taking that as well. Coventina Jul 2018 #46
Fish oil has helped with my level 4 osteoarthritis in my knees minoan Jul 2018 #37
Accupuncture Runningdawg Jul 2018 #38
Thanks. I'll look into it. Coventina Jul 2018 #47
Most of the CBD oil sold OTC in TX health food stores and head shops are snake oil. LeftInTX Jul 2018 #39
Taking NSAIDS is one of the best ways to end up in kidney failure sweetroxie Jul 2018 #40
I'm sorry that the drug war has put you in this situation. Crunchy Frog Jul 2018 #42
Thanks, I will. Coventina Jul 2018 #55
I can't take NSAIDS either -- I take Gabapentin & Tylenol -- Gabepentin whathehell Jul 2018 #44
Thanks! I'll ask about the gabapentin Coventina Jul 2018 #49
You're very welcome! whathehell Jul 2018 #59
You may find it worth it - Ms. Toad Jul 2018 #97
You need a pain specialist, Coventina. Hortensis Jul 2018 #48
Thanks! Well, I'm allegedly seeing one of the best there is in the Phoenix area. Coventina Jul 2018 #52
It's shocking that treating pain has been back-burnered Hortensis Jul 2018 #65
You may be pleasantly surprised about surgery and amount pain control - Ms. Toad Jul 2018 #98
Please be careful with the ibuprofen csziggy Jul 2018 #50
Thank you! Coventina Jul 2018 #54
Is your pain localized in certain areas of your body or is it all over? smirkymonkey Jul 2018 #119
My GI doesn't let me take ibuprofen or naproxen. I survive on Loratabs and demtenjeep Jul 2018 #58
Have you thought about trying a Low Carb or Ketogenic Diet? Grammy23 Jul 2018 #51
Thanks! I will look into that!! Coventina Jul 2018 #53
On YouTube Grammy23 Jul 2018 #57
And if you decide to do that -- RandomAccess Jul 2018 #83
Look into Organic Sulfur Crystals thinkingagain Jul 2018 #56
I know it sounds crazy Beantighe Jul 2018 #61
NOT crazy... Sugar is a highly pro-inflammatory component of diet. hlthe2b Jul 2018 #62
Not crazy - I'm already eating near-keto for diabetes control. Ms. Toad Jul 2018 #99
Sugar was causing a severe skin darkening problem for me. Blue_true Jul 2018 #129
Meloxicam Bayard Jul 2018 #63
I was taking meloxicam for my osteoarthritis and getting about the same result ooky Jul 2018 #86
I have psoriatic arthritis and WhiteTara Jul 2018 #64
I take Otezla for mine Horse with no Name Jul 2018 #141
I'm in similar straits. What specifically are you seeing the cardiologist for? nolabear Jul 2018 #66
Suspected small vessel disease, not yet confirmed. Coventina Jul 2018 #68
Just keep an eye on your blood pressure. Ms. Toad Jul 2018 #101
My bp is remarkably good. Apparently it's genetic. nolabear Jul 2018 #104
osteo biflex advanced triple strength eShirl Jul 2018 #67
WFPB Doremus Jul 2018 #71
You may want to consider Voltaren question everything Jul 2018 #73
Two things: no_hypocrisy Jul 2018 #85
Doing the MSM, glucosamine & Chondroitin. Coventina Jul 2018 #89
Try to find an antiinflammatory diet Rainngirl Jul 2018 #91
Has your physician suggested one of the biggest logical? If not perhaps you should ask still_one Jul 2018 #105
Try arnica and lidocaine gel Meowmee Jul 2018 #121
Have you tried a TENS device, like physical therapists use? Individuals can purchase them. n/t pnwmom Jul 2018 #124
Yes, it works while I wear it, but doesn't do anything once I take it off. Coventina Jul 2018 #125
Is there a reason you can't wear it for half the day, and use NSAIDS the other half? pnwmom Jul 2018 #132
Well, I couldn't really wear it to work, it's too bulky. Coventina Jul 2018 #158
I suffer from gout. Started at a young age. Blue_true Jul 2018 #126
RA Under control Greyhead Jul 2018 #133
this is a very relevant topic at work Horse with no Name Jul 2018 #134
I was on naproxen for 5 years mcar Jul 2018 #139
I'm sorry to read this, Coventina Niagara Jul 2018 #147
I looked up hypnosis for pain relief and... 3catwoman3 Jul 2018 #150
there are lots of different nsaids Mosby Jul 2018 #152
The cardiologist said ANY NSAID contributes to heart disease / stroke / liver failure Coventina Jul 2018 #159
I'm in a similar boat The empressof all Jul 2018 #153
I took that much I ibuprofen for fibromyalgia and wound up with a perforated ulcer. hedda_foil Jul 2018 #154
I'm taking 4 tramadol daily. Coventina Jul 2018 #157
There's a related drug called Ketoprofin that is a lot less destructive than ibuprofin. hedda_foil Jul 2018 #160
I'll ask! Thanks! Coventina Jul 2018 #161
You're very welcome, Coventina. I hope the lead pans out. hedda_foil Jul 2018 #162
i would kill for tramadol; i can't even get that. nt TheFrenchRazor Jul 2018 #167
Pure EMU oil is anti inflammatory marlakay Jul 2018 #155
Just wanted to say thank you - really informative thread Justice Jul 2018 #156
Kick for a fellow chronic pain sufferer. Poiuyt Jul 2018 #163
i feel you; it's total BS. if the government is going to prevent me from obtaining relief from my pa TheFrenchRazor Jul 2018 #164
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