Latest News

We are blessed to live in an era of modern medicines that our forefathers would have traded their horse and buggy for.  Today we have a pill for almost anything – especially for pain.

But there always seems to be a trade off and sometimes the medicine is worse than the reason for taking it.

I was recently having this conversation with a friend of mine who recently had surgery.  She was progressing well and had been instructed to take codeine and Tylenol for pain making sure to keep ahead of any pain.  She did as instructed.  The byproduct was constipation.  She shared she felt like a baby complaining about the issue especially when there were people we know who were experiencing far more invasive and serious medical issues.  Surely constipation was a minor inconvenience. Let me attest that it is not!

Having shared this same issue memories came flooding back. When I had my first hip replacement, I was given opioids for pain.  While it did relieve the pain it also made me dizzy and loopy and for fear of falling I asked to be switched to an anti-inflammatory.   I was on the opioid for two days but that was enough to cause three weeks of constipation.  Yes, three weeks!  At first I didn’t have much of an appetite, so I chalked it up to no input equals no output.  But after 5 days I realized my input needed to be put out.  In all fairness, I was sent home with a stool softener but that did not help it come out.  I was told to take Metamucil, drink lots of water and walk.  So me in my bathrobe and walker walked on the street back and forth bringing new meaning to being a street walker.

Nothing.

Then Senekot was suggested.

Nothing.

I was feeling desperate,  MiraLAX was added.  Still nothing.  I was reduced to tears because I had all the feeling and none of the expulsion.  Finally, they ordered lactulose.  In my third week (by now I was off the walker) I had an urge but thinking it was the same old thing I went to let the dog out in the back yard first.  As I turned around, the dam broke and it was like lava exploding right down into my fuzzy slippers!  All I could do was watch in horror.  Especially since my physical therapist was to come for a home visit in ten minutes!  I had tears of relief and horror as I waddle my way into the shower to clean off three weeks of fermented food.

Sometimes you feel as if you are damned if you do take the opioids and damned if you don’t.  But I am here to tell you there are alternatives.  I write this not to further embarrass myself (although I seem to do a good job, don’t you think?) but to point out a few things.

1. There are different medications for different types of pan – mild, severe and chronic. Medications for inflammation verses pain.
2. Always ask what are the side effects to the medicines they plan on giving you. Ask what alternatives could be used.
3. Opioids are notorious for causing constipation. If you are someone who tends to be constipated, ask to be changed to non-opioid medications.  Use over the counter options such as Tylenol for mild to moderate pain.  Note that taking more than the recommended dose can lead to liver damage. Use Ibuprofen, Naproxen which are good for mild pain with inflammation. Be sure to take them with meals.  Prescription options such as Anti-inflammatories such as Diclofenac Sodium or Diclofenac Potassium. Be aware that you cannot use anti-inflammatories if you are on a blood thinner.  Journavx is good for moderate to severe acute pain from surgery or trauma, blocking pain signals from the peripheral nervous system without affecting the central nervous system.  It is not recommended for chronic pain and has some contraindications. There is also Gabapentin and Pregabalin for chronic pain and nerve pain.  Other therapies can include Capsaicin (topical cream), acupuncture which may be helpful for chronic pain and headaches, and CBD.
4. No one knows your body better than you do. Take the time to listen to the messages your body is sending you.
5. Your healthcare professional works for you. Do not hesitate to call their office or for the post operative contact your were given upon discharge.  They are trained to assist in all types of reactions your body may be having so don’t hesitate to call for advice.
6. Work together as equal partners with your healthcare professional to determine the best way to manage pain.

When it was time for me to have my second hip replacement (yes, I wore them both out), I told them NOT to give me opioid but to give me an anti-inflammatory.  My experience using Diclofenac to help with pain had been effective and did not cause the severe constipation I had experienced with the first operation.

The next time you find yourself in pain take a breath, learn all you can about alternatives to handling the pain, ask the professionals and then YOU make the best choice for yourself.

 

Thank you for reading my post.  If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it.  Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!

I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts.  To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com

Blessings for Health & Wellness.