Hi everyone,

I had a rib removal and scalenectomy two weeks ago at MGH. I was in the hospital for three nights, and after the first night, I took oral medications for pain management. The surgeon mentioned that I would be on narcotics for about a month, and I'm wondering what other people's experiences were post-surgery? Even after you stopped taking strong medication, did you rely on something like Motrin for awhile?

For the first few days, I was taking oxycodone plus Motrin or Tylenol every four hours. Then I tapered down to oxycodone every four hours. Now I'm able to go 10-11 hours during the night without any medication and trying to limit my oxycodone in the daytime when I am able to use Motrin or Tylenol.


Thanks for your insights!

No insights yet, but wanted to say hi and continue to wish you well in your recovery.

Laura,

You seem to be doing really well for only two weeks post surgery. I probably followed a similar course in regards to the medication but can't be sure. It's been 8 years since I had surgery on that side so I don't remember much anymore. You will have good periods and bad periods over the course of the next couple of weeks and months but hopefully, you continue to improve. I am still doing well on this side so I really count my blessings. Unfortunately, I'm headed for surgery on the other side.

Limoges - Hope you're doing well.

Sheri - Many thanks for your note. I hope that your second surgery is a success. You are right about the ups and downs. Saturday I was in a lot of pain, yesterday was great, and tonight it's a struggle. The pain moves around my chest, shoulder and arm; it's interesting to feel parts of your body you didn't know existed. Take care and all the best in your surgery!

Hi LadyLaura!

After my surgeries, I was on IV pain meds (dilaudid), had pain soakers (a novacaine like med that drips into the chest via little wires) PLUS oral meds (percocet, valium, anti-inflamatory, flexaril).

When I was sent home, I stayed on all these meds except IV & soakers. They added oxycontin, which to me was the worst. Tasted bad and made me really high. I was on this for 2 months solid before I started weaning off, which was no problem. By then, I was tired of being sleepy and seeing spiders on the wall .

Make Heating pads and ice bags your best friends! It might make your need for meds somewhat less.

Good luck to you!
Anne

Anne,

It sounds like you were on quite the cocktail to manage your pain! Wow. I'm glad you're through that now. Thank you for the encouragement.

Yesterday was three weeks from my surgery. Last night was the first night I didn't take oxycodone before bed and took 650mg Motrin instead. I hope I will be free from the oxycodone moving forward.

Wow, I think I'm way undermedicated by comparison, Anne. I wound up being in the hospital until Sunday night. I had stopped taking any narcotics on Friday a.m. (surgery was last Thursday) and felt great on just motrin and tylenol. When I found out my release was imminent, I felt great and started stripping my hospital bed of sheets and cleaning up because I felt so energetic. By Monday night I was in the worst pain I'd ever experienced in my life! So, back to taking it easy and taking the prescribed cocktail. Having Laura to bounce information off of has been an incredible asset. It's like having a TOS rib-resection mentor!

I'm glad you're feeling well, Anne, best wishes to you on your ongoing recovery!