When does the itching start?

So yesterday itching has set in. Wasn't prepared for that. I figured it would take a month before that became an issue. And besides feeling like I got kicked by a mule my skin is sore everywhere. Is this normal a 7 days out from survey? I certainly understand now when people say they cant eat much at a time. Seems you get full quickly. Good news I only lost3 pounds. Woohoo. I didn't want to lose weight so that was a happy for me.

[titaniumed]

When does the itching start?

About 2:01 AM. (smiley face) Getting kicked by a mule sounds pretty close and sore all over is about right. I felt like I was hit by a train....We have not heard “stomped by an elephant” here yet, but would be understood.

The itching is caused by the meds. You scratch, and it just isn’t enough, you scratch some more and it still isn’t enough.....finally, when you are off meds, it stops. It’s the junkie itch. Hillbilly heroin.

Your body is in a major repair mode right now. All systems have been shocked, and slammed with opoids to control or mask pain. After you heal some, meds can be cut back slowly, very slowly....it’s a careful balance that only you can be the judge of. Coming down off opoids is not easy, and your body also has to filter all the anesthesia meds. Eating provides the energy to heal....so actually, your diet, and the amount of calories needed should be higher than normal. Drinking water helps dilute, and promote peristalsis in your intestines. Walking does this also. So important!

Recovery is like a tough chapter in a book. You keep struggling as you read, you wonder when your going to get thought it, and when you do, and you do, it’s a good thing. It will pass quickly.

You sound great!
Ed

[djkinkead]

I didn't really go through an itchy period other than the glue finally coming off. On the other hand, I was off the Oxycudone seven days post surgery in order to escape the horrible rehab center...I started taking hydrocodon-acetminophen so it could be phoned in by the surgeon's office.

Yep, the first few weeks your body does feel like it's been in a train wreck. Even turning in bed was an ordeal.

It does get better each day... Keep up the chin and keep writing to us....

[LindaRacine]

If the itching is only at the incision, it's possible that you're sensitive to something that was used to close your incision, or to the adhesive that was used. If you're itching all over, I would suspect a drug issue.

[Kayde]

Seems like the itching is mainly in my back,where the mule licked me n the ribs and my right leg. And Ed u have it right 2:01 am is almost exactly when it starts. Lol

[titaniumed]

Kayde
Scratching the back when its numb is a science! Be careful you don’t get too aggressive....I drew blood a few times.

Funny, my gall bladder attacks always started around midnight for some reason......when they started, I knew I would be up all night in survival mode, and without any meds. I was afraid to take any with that happening. I don’t think I would want to make that kind of situation any harder for the docs to try to figure out at the emergency room. “Oh, by the way, I just took 4 “bunker busters” and I cant feel my head”. lol

On the subject of itching and “Campho Phenique” lol.....here is Jeff Foxworthy talking about side effects of meds. (he mentions scoliosis) Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-G8Kmw0c5E

Ed

[rohrer01]

Thanks Ed, you got me watching Jeff Foxworthy clips for a half hour!

[titaniumed]

Fleas? LOL That’s a good one.

Jeff does another one relating to meds that is hilarious! Its better, but I couldn’t find it.

A humorous way of addressing the many side affects of meds.....something to think about when taking. Its either watch Jeff Foxworthy, or read the fine print.
Ed