after surgery questions

[melnyc]

daughter had surgery july 27--although it seemed to be a success judging by x rays and doc opinion, i'm just wondering if her progress is to slow and should be of concern. She had several consults with pain mgment in hospital-after several tries they kept her on dilaudid. released her on saturday--and even on 4 mg every 4/5 hours, she's still in lot of pain. just tried to move her down to 2mg
which she was also given a prescription for. Percocet just made her so tired, and didn't touch the pain earlier this week. Just how much pain is normal now?
she just tried to lay on her side for the first time, and she started crying it hurt her ribs so.... she's walking 15/20 mins a time outside 2x daily but is so frustrated by it all.

she's only been home since saturday---would like to hear from you when did it really get more manageable? any tips appreciated.

[LindaRacine]

daughter had surgery july 27--although it seemed to be a success judging by x rays and doc opinion, i'm just wondering if her progress is to slow and should be of concern. She had several consults with pain mgment in hospital-after several tries they kept her on dilaudid. released her on saturday--and even on 4 mg every 4/5 hours, she's still in lot of pain. just tried to move her down to 2mg
which she was also given a prescription for. Percocet just made her so tired, and didn't touch the pain earlier this week. Just how much pain is normal now?
she just tried to lay on her side for the first time, and she started crying it hurt her ribs so.... she's walking 15/20 mins a time outside 2x daily but is so frustrated by it all.

she's only been home since saturday---would like to hear from you when did it really get more manageable? any tips appreciated.

Hi...

I moved your post from the kids forum to the parents forum.

It's still VERY early, and a certain amount of pain is to be expected. If the pain medication isn't effective, perhaps you can ask for a referral to a pain management specialist. Everyone is different, and what works for one person may have absolutely no effect on the next one.

Tell your daughter to hang in there. It will almost certainly get much better very soon.

Regards,
Linda

[Snoopy]

I am so sorry to hear your daughter is having so much pain. I really don't have any answers for you, just suggestions. Did she have any ribs removed? If so, she might not want to lay on the side they were removed. Try to get her up and moving more if possible. Having her simply walk around inside the house for a few minutes every hour that she is awake, might help. When you give her the Percocet, are you giving her the full dosage-in other words if it says "1-2 pills every 4-6 hours" are you giving her 2 every 4 hours? From my experience with my daughter, if I was able to stay on top of the pain, it was manageable, but once it got ahead of her, it was VERY difficult to get under control again. It's okay if the Percocet makes her sleepy. Sleep is a very important part of recovery.

Good luck. I know this is a very difficult time, but like Linda said, it will get better soon. Hang in there.

Mary Lou

[melnyc]

what a difference another week made! glad to say she's doing so much better just after the 2 week mark....
out with friends, no more pain pills (although dealing with the discomfort--she really didn't get much relief even from the narcotics..)and packing for college!