pain medication

[BTMax]

I am now 9 weeks post surgery and still take about 4 Darvocet a day. I take them when I just can't get comfortable. I'm not having severe pain but have a hard time finding a comfortable position at times. I wonder if I should just tough it out--but my philosophy so far has been-why suffer? Has anyone else used pain medication for this length of time or am I just being a big baby? I worry about taking them for such a long time when I read about those who stopped them after 2 or 4 weeks.

[JimL]

I think it's worth getting checked out to make sure everything is all right. You really should be more comfortable than that. I took one Darvocet at night for sleeping for 7-8 weeks, and I almost had to beg to get the last prescription refilled. It wasn't that I liked the Darvocet that much -- well, I did -- but it sure helped sleeping.
Pain is hard to measure. I think you should be sure that it is your perception of pain that is in question, not some physical problem. I hope that makes some sense.

[Granbonny]

I think I only took my first bottle of Darvocet..1 a day..for a month?Then, to Tylenol..and Tylenol PM..off and on for sleeping...Still take a Tylenol everyday..3 years later. Old age pains. :D No trouble sleeping now..Bonnie

[Ross]

I'm not saying your a baby, but you really shouldn't be on them at this point. I'm more concerned that you may becoming addicted to them. It's going to hurt, that's a given. By now though, the pain should be tolerable with minimal pain medication i.e. Tylenol or similiar.

[Ambience]

I was off pain meds before I was even out of the hospital, and then I'd take tylenol for sore muscles on occasion. I was well beyond feeling any type of extreme pain two weeks after surgery. Granted not everyone is built the same, but nine weeks is a bit long.

[Granbonny]

Just dawned on me..who is giving you a script for Darvocet?..This far out from your surgery? 2 months? I think I had 1 refill..Never used it..from Surgeon....Most valvers go to their PCP'S....after surgery......Cardio's and Surgeons..do not give out pain meds, ect.shortly after surgery....Maybe only 1 month?....They want you to follow up with your local PCP..if you are having problems.. I may be wrong..Bonnie

[tobagotwo]

Are you getting enough movement and exercise? Believe it or not, movement and posture play very important roles in healing after your chest has been cracked.

Trying not to aggravate it may actually be setting you up for more pain over time. I agree it's time to go to another pain reliever, or none. Nine weeks is a long time to be using darvocettes, or any narcotic. Even the fact that you're asking indicates that you are skeptical of your present course of action. I think you already know what you need to do.

Sounds like it's time for you to start moving again and take back your life. Good luck with it: enjoy it to the fullest!

Best wishes,

[Cris N]

Granted, everyone has a different threshhold for pain, but I agree with the others, something else may be going on. At 9 weeks you should be experiencing some discomfort but I would expect it to be manageable with Tylenol. There was a guy in my rehab group who had trouble with his incision & had to get steroid shots for it to ease the pain. I'd say check with your PCP or surgeon. I, too, worry about your becoming dependent on it. Hope you feel better soon.

Cris

[hensylee]

I had one rx for pain - used it mostly at night to help me sleep. When it was gone, I gave 'em up. Danger, there, if you don't. If you are truly in that much pain, you need to be seen by a professional. Nine weeks is definitely too long to be taking Darvocet every day. Go before you get into real trouble. Getting off Darvocet could turn into trouble. As it is, you might have to give them up slowly. Please check it out.