i got my colon removed Tuesday , have been on dilaudin (or however you spell it) for two days now. My surgeon informed me I need to start pain management at home since I began walking and somewhat eating . How long does it normally take til I get to the point where I don't wanna die just to get out of bed ?! And am no longer in so much pain? I was also wondering what kind of pain management pills you all were given when leaving the hospital. I was told it would take 4-6 weeks to heal then I have my j pouch surgery. I'm just in alot of pain and don't wanna run out of meds while I'm in pain at home awaiting my next surgery.
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I was given Oxycodone HCL 5 mg. 1 tablet every 4 hours as needed. I ended up only taking them for a few days and then used Extra Strength Tylenol. For my second and third surgeries, I didn't take any Oxycodone, Tylenol was enough, but everyone is different when it comes to pain and what is needed. It is good to have painkillers on hand for when you need them.
KC, y son was the same age when he had his colecotomy. He is also Aspergers. With sensory integration issues. He was in severe pain for weeks. But that was 2 and a half years ago and they were a little more free with what they could prescribe for pain. Today, it's a lot more difficult. But if you are in pain, you need to let them know. Just because you can walk doesn't mean you are pain free. Do not let them take the pump away if you,are not ready. I'm going to assume your folks are with you. Let them advocate for you. And when you leave the hospital make sure you get what you need. I went through hell for my son with respect to pain management. Of course the sensory stuff did not help. Yes, he became addicted but when de decided to get off all the stuff, he got off the stuff in a matter of weeks not months. Make sure to get what you need to control the pain and do not let them not deal with it! Your mom is probably the best one for this job!
dianne
With my colectomy I was on Dilaudid (hydromorphone) at home for about a week. I slowly weaned off using Tylenol extra strength in between doses of Dilaudid. The more you can walk and the more active you are the easier it is. If you absolutely cannot walk you must get out of bed at least once an hour and do lots of deep breathing. I had my j-pouch surgery about 17 months after my colectomy. It was a walk in the park regarding pain management. I had an epidural for about 3 days. Was up walking on day 3 (slowly and gingerly). and did not require any pain meds other than over the counter stuff when I went home. It did take a full 10 days before my bowel woke up and I suffered with the dreaded NG tube but that is for another post.
Hi, KC23. I was sent home with a prescription for Dilaudid. I didn't use it. I used Tylenol Extra Strength. The most pain I had was in my abdominals when trying to get out of bed. I needed help and someone would have to come lend me their arm and pull me up. Your abdominal muscles have been cut and now trying to mend itself and that will hurt, no getting around that. If no one around I would do as they taught me in hospital: move gently to the side of the bed, roll slowly onto your side, and use your arm muscles to push yourself into a sitting position. This will hurt less and less as each day goes by, it really will. And remember if you laugh, cough or sneeze, brace your stomach with a hard pillow or large book. It will get better day by day. But if you are feeling pain on a scale of 1 to 10 and it is higher than you can tolerate, take the meds. Don't live in pain. You can't get well if you are struggling with pain.