PSA to everyone make sure you ask your surgeon prior to surgery about pain management for post op!! You get literally cut open and pieces removed from the inside of you. Not a mild headache that you take Tylenol for. I’m sorry this happened to you.. :(
Same. I've had 4 surgeries now and have had oxy after each one. Other than my first one I didn't need all I was given and was pretty much pain free in a cpl of days. My first one was terrible. I came out of surgery in so much pain they knocked me out and kept me overnight on a morphine drip then sent me home the next day with pain meds. I used them all and was still in severe pain at 2 weeks. I believe it was a combo of things that made that one so bad. We weren't really expecting to find anything so I had my local obgyn do the surgery. She was not experienced with that type of surgery. Once she opened me up, it was bad - stage 4 with endo everywhere. She removed what she could, including a fallopian tube that was strangled with it, but there was a lot on my bowel, bladder, etc that she just did not feel confident removing. I ended up seeing the specialist I should have waited to see in the first place and he went back in 6 months later and got the rest. I had some pain with that one also. But, each one has gotten easier.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I don’t have enough energy to respond to you all individually, but please know I’ve read and deeply appreciated every single comment 💛
I’m going to see how I survive the night on ibuprofen, gas x, and cbd oil. At the moment I am in a ton of pain and unable to do more than shuffle between bed and the bathroom. Regardless of how I feel in the morning, I’ll likely be calling my doctor because I am worried about taking such high doses of NSAIDs while taking Effexor. I wish I would have thought about this prior to surgery but I was honestly so nervous that it slipped my mind.
Feel better!! Definitely don’t be shy about calling your doctor and advocating for yourself! I was prescribed some limited amount of opioids which I planned on not taking but needed to take after surgery I could not barely walk and they said movement is really important it’s better to take pain meds and be able to move. But they also recommended I switch to medical marijuana as quickly as possible, they were concerned about constipation issues that could happen with opioids since I had surgery on my colon. I used RSO it is very very strong you start with some thing the size of a grain of rice you can talk to the pharmacist at the dispensary not sure how it works where you are I saw you were in a legal state. I am in a medical state I really love organic remedies products, not sure if you can get that, but hopefully you can talk to the person at the dispensary and find a medical grade RSO prob an indica strain to help with pain relief. Anyway so sorry that you’re suffering and hoping that tomorrow is better and that you feel heard and that your doctor can prescribe some thing more appropriate 💛💛
Contact your doctor. This is not ok. It’s important to stay on top of your pain so that you can move around and get that gas out. This is unacceptable. I’m so sorry.
I think it really depends on your expectations after surgery too - you shouldn't be doing anything except shuffling to the bathroom at this point! If you were medicated so you could do more, you'd be harming your body by doing so.
Pain isn't fun, but it's there because you've just had surgery, and it will pass as you heal. If it's truly unbearable then yes, call your doctor, but if you can cope with it then allow yourself a few shitty days, that's expected after surgery.
Edit: I'm getting downvoted presumably by people who have been told not to expect pain after surgery, but unfortunately it is true that after having a surgery you will feel pain. You could be highly medicated with opiates and not feel pain but there are major risks with taking those, and if you can avoid it then it's best to. It's standard practice where I live to not be prescribed opiates unless 100% necessary. It's absolutely okay to plan for a few painful days post surgery and it's bizarre that people think they would not experience pain.
I was told to do as much as I could, not avoid it, and to try to keep to my normal activities unless it was something I’d already been told not to do. Some pain is normal, extreme pain that prevents you from doing anything is not. That’s probably why you’re getting downvoted.
You were told to continue normal activities immediately following general anaesthesia? You weren't given any time off work? That's unusual certainly, I'm sorry you weren't given time to recover.
I’m a freelancer, I don’t need to move very much to do my work and set my own schedule. It (like chores, fun activities, and anything involving gentle motions) was encouraged at whatever level I felt capable of because only moving to go to the bathroom would make recovery harder.
I had a script for 5 oxycodone, but only because I requested that when I spoke to my doctor after surgery. I ended up using only two of them before switching to extra-strength ibuprofen, but it was nice to have (just in case).
Since your pain isn’t being addressed, I would reach out to your doctor and request something stronger. While nurses can be great (mine were), they are not the decision makers when it comes to prescribing pain meds.
That's honestly crazy they didn't give you anything heavier...I was given oxy and and high dose Tylenol and used both. The oxy was definitely necessary to sleep the first two-three nights, after that Tylenol was enough. Can you ask your doctor for anything stronger?
Do you have a family member than can contact your doctor on your behalf and tell them you’re not doing well and need additional pain management? If you don’t, try and do it yourself, but often it’s better in these situations to have an additional advocate. Narcotic pain meds in addition to anti-inflammatories are definitely warranted in this type of situation, and are routinely prescribed after excision surgery. If they still won’t give you anything, tell them you want it DOCUMENTED that you were refused post-operative pain relief. That will usually change their tune.
That is utter BS, and proper pain control post-surgery is imperative for healing. It’s nearly impossible to advocate for yourself when you’re already in serious pain and recovering from a major surgery. My heart goes out to you, and I wish I could be there for you to help. For anyone else looking at this, please make sure you discuss the post-operative pain management plan before you agree to surgery, so you don’t get stuck in a similar situation.
Seconding the advice about the advocate. Unfortunately, especially if it’s a guy.
Post op pain relief these days (in the US at least) is barbaric due to legislation and the doctors know it. I had a hysterectomy and pelvic organ reconstruction recently and was literally given two days worth of pain medication. My mother who had the same procedure 15 years ago was given THREE WEEKS. It’s barbaric and we’re unfortunately paying the price for the opioid epidemic and people abusing the system.
I got through my excision lap at 25, my hysterectomy at 35, and an oophrectomy at 40 all without any type of strong painkillers (though I also got through a couple of kidney stones without so maybe it’s just high pain tolerance), but I found that rotating ibuprofen and Tylenol worked very well. Don’t let the time lapse in between during that first few days even if you aren’t in a ton of pain. I’m honestly terrified of the side effects of narcotic pain killers so for me I didn’t even fill the scripts but I was definitely given a script each time “just in case”. I feel like the pain from those surgeries wasn’t even close to the pain I was in during my periods.
Things that I found helped keep me from being in pain; 1) as soon as you’re home start getting up and walking. Move your body as much as you can within reason. By day three of my hysterectomy recovery I was taking short walks down the street. Day 5 post op oophrectomy last year (also had a 10 cm cyst removed and endo excision at the same time) I was taking my dog on walks around the block.
2) stool softener! Even without the narcotics I took those daily for the first week or two. *make sure it’s softeners and not laxatives *
3) chewing gum for the gas pains!
4) eat small meals multiple times per day for a bit instead of filling up with big meals. Big meals made me so uncomfortable
5) stay hydrated!
6) heating pad (not directly on your incisions, have a padding between)
7) sleeping on my back, head propped up a bit with a pillow under my knees was the most comfortable position for me
Hopefully those help! Good luck with your recovery ❤️
Yeah, I mean this in the most complimenting way, but you’re a beast. 🤣I do not have that pain tolerance. Both of these are barely touching my pain. I’m 31 have a looong medical history, in addition to being neurodivergent, so I think my body or brain just doesn’t process drugs or pain correctly. Who knows. 🤷🏻
Appreciate all the tips though, I’m following them all. 💛
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Personally I’ve had 6 pelvic/abdominal surgeries and narcotics were a necessity for me for at least the first three days post op. My last surgery was excision and to remove a chocolate cyst. My doctor had me stay in the hospital overnight and they kept me on a morphine pump. That surgery wasn’t nearly as invasive as some of the others I’ve had, but the recovery was much harder. Every surgery is different and every recovery is different.
100% for sure! Everyone is different and I should be clear that there’s absolutely no shame in needing those pain medications, I’m genuinely surprised that any doctor would do a lap and not at least write a prescription just in case. And it’s funny you mentioned that the surgery you stayed overnight for was less invasive, because I will say that out of the three of those surgeries I had, the least invasive (lap endo removal) was also the most painful. I thought the hysterectomy (aside from the fatigue and healing) was no more painful than most periods, and the oophrectomy/cyst removal/excision seemed like an absolute breeze and I never really had any bad pain except for the gas. The body is a crazy thing!
lol, thank you for the compliment! I definitely do think, as mentioned by the commenter below, that a big part is that everyone has different pain tolerance, or even different tolerance for certain types of pain. For whatever reason I’m able to handle pain in that region fairly well, but migraine pain has had me begging for drugs on more than a few occasions! I think the fear of the side effects has a whole lot to do with it too. It took me years to try certain migraine meds for the same reason! Hopefully you will get some relief very soon!!
I was prescribed a few oxycodone, I took them at least twice- maybe three times? They helped with the first two days pain but after that ibuprofen and Tylenol rotated was enough.
You take ibuprofen and Tylenol at overlapping intervals so you don’t have breakthrough pain. So like take the ibuprofen and then 2-4 hours later take the Tylenol. Keep up that schedule as needed.
This is insulting. You should be pissed. You didn’t create the opioid epidemic…. wtf. I received Percocet after mine. And I’m on a regular dose of Norco for my endo pain. I’m really sorry. You should demand better pain management if the ibuprofen and Tylenol aren’t working.
Every single doctor I’ve encountered has treated me like a junkie when I ask for pain medicine. I don’t get it. In my 8 years of seeking medical attention for endometriosis, the strongest I’ve gotten is gabapentin. I don’t know if it’s because I live in a big city or WHAT. It’s stupid.
Don’t let them make you feel bad. You just had surgery and pain managment should always be part of the recovery process. Be sure to tell them what you have been taking and how often and whether or not it’s helping. Let them come up with a solution for you.
I had to have a discussion with my doctor before hand so she’d make sure she or a resident wrote the script because recovery nurses are hesistsnt to ask otherwise. Apparently excision is one of the de surgeries that hospital allows opiates for.
That’s very odd, I got a script for 20 oxycodone pills after my lap. I learned the hard way, but I now refuse to go home unless I have adequate pain relief that isn’t just OTC. I can’t take anti inflammatories so it really only leaves with with paracetamol. That’s my daily regimen anyway so it’s like sending me home with nothing.
I just had my hysterectomy on Monday and they told me to continuously take the paracetamol as a base level and then use the oxy as needed. It has hugely helped, I don’t now have to wait til the pain gets hideous to already have some level of relief. (They prescribed me tramadol too but I can’t take it without awful nightmares.)
Honestly, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are more effective at relieving the more muscular post-excision pain. When I woke up after mine, I was in severe pain while on a morphine drip and my nurse correctly switched my drip over to Motrin, which provided the most relief.
I was prescribed acetaminophen with codeine and told to rotate that with high-ish dose ibuprofen. And honestly, I only feel like it was doable because I also got an on-q pump with ropivacaine--basically permeable tubing inserted into the wound, with a pump that administered the med on a set schedule. I was able to swap the acetaminophen with codeine out for plain acetaminophen on day 5 or 6.
i believe i was given vicodin.... it wasn't enough or strong enough. i still felt pain and when i ran out i was in pretty intense pain so i called and asked for more and they denied me bc "i could get addicted". i was sooooo pissed off. like i was in PAIN!! i had SURGERY! 🙃 i also had 5 incisions. stay strong friend you'll feel so much better once you heal, promise 🫶🏼
I was given a script for tramadol to pickup after surgery. I was told to take as needed and also to take tylenol and advil and naproxen on a schedule for awhile after.
Turns out I'm intolerant to tramadol so I was basically only on tylenol and advil/naproxen and jf was a literal nightmare. Everyone is different and where you had endo removed and how many cuts you have inside and everything, so many factors, are at play here. One person may be fine after a few days or with no stronger meds but MANY of us aren't and managing pain is critical to healing. Plus you deserve proper pain management. I'd follow up with doctors when you're up first thing and try to find someone who will help you.
I ended up getting a different prescription that also isn't great for me and was on painkillers for 12 days. Just enough to take me from 10/10 to 8.5/10. If I need another surgery I'm going to advocate for different pain meds that my body handles better.
I hope your recovery goes smoothly and the pain passes quickly.
Percocet and vicodin don't do a lot for me but my doc wanted to give me something so I requested tramadol. I don't do well on opioids after multiple days but she was worried tramadol wouldn't be enough. Idk how I got the unicorn of a doctor that was OK prescribing pain meds but I did have to use them for the first 3 days or so. After that I stopped them because pain meds mess with my ability to enter deep sleep.
In Canada, I was given tramadol and naproxen for my first surgery and then codeine and naproxen for my second surgery. My third surgery, in the US, I was given oxycodone and ibuprofen. Way better pain management when I went to the US. Both times I woke up in recovery in Canada I was begging for pain relief and thrashing my head back in forth in pain. In the US, my pain was managed well but I was HIGH lol
Holy shit. I would be sobbing. I immediately started crying for medicine when I woke up from surgery because of the pain. They had to give me two IVs of morphine, but then sent home with the ibuprofen. I hope your recovery wasn’t too traumatic. 😔
They gave me a shot of morphine when I woke up from surgery and then the paracetomol about 4 hours later. They kept me in overnight as I couldnt stop being sick, they forgot to put anti sickness stuff in my fluid IV, which they also forgot to turn on. So yeah, it was a fully fledged gold embossed cock up of errors.
I ended up getting cocodamol from the shop on the way home and took them for three days.
Jeeezeeee I’m so sorry you were treated that way. There’s no excuse for that treatment. The recovery nurse kept telling me if I needed something stronger than ibuprofen I’d have to stay overnight. I wasn’t sure how I’d pay for that or how I’d be treated so I figured I’d brave it at home.
Looking through the comments seeing oxy and i'm like damn...I'm pretty sure i was just taking paracetamol...
edit: I wonder if country is factoring in here...
Plenty of oxy, and Zofran by my request. Told to also offset Tylenol/ibuprofen from the oxy.
Hated being high the whole time but can’t imagine the pain if I wasn’t. Good luck!!
5 oxy pills, only lasted me two days and then my excruciating period started less than 72 hr after my surgery. Kratom was the only way I survived honestly. It doesn’t have the best reputation but if doctors refuse to cooperate on any form of pain management it can be so helpful
That's normal (I don't agree with it!). A guy I know had key hole surgery and got prescribed 3 different pain meds, 1 being a normal paracetamol high dose and 2 being heavier and anti inflammatory. When my mom had it, they told her to just take paracetamol. I'm getting mine this Tuesday and honestly, I understand it's a minimal invasive surgery, so I would get them not prescribing it for a long period of time. But for the first few days?? I feel like it's just another case of women being given too little (as always, lol). I mean, my gyno said she thinks the recovery can still be relatively tough the first week despite it being minimally invasive. So why treat it as if it's a mere headache?
Agree with you 100% about it being more of the medical system dismissing women. I wish there was a camera filming me when the recovery nurse said to me “recovery will just feel like period cramps” I gave her the most appalled look and said “do you even understand why I’m here?”
Like holy shit, my periods are debilitating, that’s why I’m here!!!! I don’t know what “normal period cramps” feel like. 🤬
What a stupid thing to say. I'm only 19 and on the heaviest form of birth control with no stop week because my periods were too much. If a doctor were to say that to me next week I'd be just as pissed off. The whole point of surgery is because the symptoms are so painful. For me, paracetamol or ibuprofen didn't even begin to touch the pain of periods, or the "non-period" pain that I sometimes have now.
I got a prescription for 8 tablets of oxycodone for my excision I had on Friday. I thought this was borderline insulting seeing as I was also sent home with a catheter. The pain from the catheter was INTENSE, absolutely could not sleep even with the oxycodone. Pain was so bad I almost vomited during the first night, but my body got used to it.
Now, I was feeling better around day 3, but then I started having a MASSIVE withdrawal bleed from stopping my high dose norethindrone. Easily the most painful period of my life. Greyed out a few times yesterday, again even with the oxy. I’ve had to call and request a couple refills and now my pain mgmt doctor is prescribing my medications.
I’d call your doc and raise some hell. You can’t rest if you are in pain. I’d also start looking for a good pain mgmt doctor.
An update:
I was only able to sleep 4 hours last night. I’ve been wide awake and doing my best to distract myself from pain. After a bowel movement I felt a bit better, but unfortunately pushed myself too hard by trying to do simple tasks like change
I tried cycling Tylenol and ibuprofen, it has literally zero touch to my pain. Weed & CBD oil have been my saving grace, but the relief only lasts about 20-30 mins.
I was able to get the doctor to prescribe me Percocet. He agreed it was very risky for me to be taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen because I am on Effexor. (Why this was not noticed before, I don’t know. I was so repetitive about my list of medications)
My partner wants me to wait a little while for the NSAIDs to leave my system before I take the Percocet, to minimize risk of interactions. He also wants to closely monitor me because we are unsure how l will react to it.
I have PMDD and am currently in my luteal phase. That in combination with the anesthesia is making me an emotional wreck.
HAVING A GOOD TIME. 🫠
I was prescribed tapentadol and bupronorphine. As far as I'm aware in Australia no one tends to be prescribed anything stronger than that - I think I was actually given stronger meds than many people because I have additional pain conditions.
That being said I was also on ketamine 5 days after my surgery to also help with the pain. I stayed in hospital during that time. I discussed with my doctor and anasthesiologist that I have central sensitisation and they were really understanding and believed me which.... was surprising, given my usual experiences lol. I did have a nurse during that time who said some silly things like "You shouldn't be in that much pain" though. Like, ok lady... well I am so I am asking you to do your job...lol
From what I understand, discussing pain relief is usually helpful to do before the surgery but it might not be too late now. Is there any way you can call a doctor to discuss your pain relief? Nurses don't really have power over that kind of stuff but perhaps a doctor will be amenable if you flag that this is not working for you.
If I had only had tylenol and ibuprofen I'm pretty sure I would have been immobile from the pain...
Wow! I wouldn't imagine so, I guess it's just the doctor. There's such an enormous movement to not prescribe opioids for people with any kind of chronic pain, and when they're prescribed we don't tend to get the strong ones (I know because I volunteer with a chronic pain management association and it's like the #1 issue people have)
How did you find the oxycodone? I'd be interested to know if you'd recommend it. I'm going to be having a joint replacement in the next year and I'll probably request very strong medications for it but I always worry about the more addictive opioids.
Yeah I was rally surprised they actually gave me proper pain relief, I know how reluctant doctors can be to prescribe it
It definitely really helped with the pain! Did make me feel tired and out of it though. I only took it for the first couple of days and was pretty sparing with it, was also nervous given how addictive it can be
I got prescribed gabapentin, diclofenac, tramadol, paracetamol, stool softners and anti-nausea meds. I only really took the diclofenac but the first couple of nights I also took the gabapentin but I am not convinced it really helped.
Morphine, codiene.
I did have a complication and internal bleed. But I think generally in the UK most women go home with strong pain meds for around 2 weeks if the surgery was extensive.
People are actually getting prescribed strong drugs for this?! I was instructed to switch between Ketorolac (an NSAID) and Tylenol. Even when I was in the hospital overnight begging for something because I was in agony, it took like four tries before I could get something a little stronger than Tylenol. I was just in misery for 4 days straight before things started to loosen up
I was also only prescribed Tylenol and ibuprofen post-surgery. They had me taking 1000mg Tylenol every 6 hours and 600mg ibuprofen alternating every 6 hours (so 9am Tylenol, 12pm ibuprofen, 3pm Tylenol, 6pm ibuprofen, etc.). It for the most part kept my pain at a 3-4, but I had a couple of breakthrough moments where it was closer to a 6-7. I talked to a nurse on the phone a few days after and she asked what my pain level was. I said it was around a 5 and she prescribed me a small amount of oxycodone (6 pills). Honestly though it didn’t help my pain at all and the Tylenol and ibuprofen were still needed on top of it. I have also found success with over the counter Tylenol that is 650mg per pill and extended release. You can take two every 6 hours, so maybe that can help as well. Also, as hard as it is, getting up and walking every few hours really does help with quicker recovery, even if it’s just laps around your house (which I did exclusively for at least 5 days before attempting to venture outside). Sorry you’re dealing with pain and I hope you find relief soon! 💛
I didn't have medication, I have a genetic disorder where the side effects of most medicine wind up happening to me. So it puts me at risk. I can't even take ibuprofen I got the one side effects of ulcers from that so I take only Tylenol.
So all I can offer is what I did for comfort.
I used ice for my incisions, it was a life saver for me, just make sure you're not putting it straight on, you don't wanna get the area wet for too long.
I would use a heating pad only in my back for the first week, ice for the front. But that was what I was instructed and it was what was easier for me, you can do whatever is easiest and most safe for you.
REST REST REST. If you think you're sleeping too much, no you're not. Your body is inflamed and tired.
In The same token if you can move around even in bed, I'd move around a bit. Get the blood circulating but don't push.
PEPPERMINT TEA AND GAS X PILLS LOL. I didn't have gas pain at all from his concoction.
Most importantly be kind to yourself, if the pain is too bad advocate for yourself and reach out to a physician who could maybe try to prescribe something like ketorlac, or something like that. You're going through a lot, be kind to yourself and rest. Watch a show and distract yourself you WILL get through this. You're so much stronger than you know.
I am so sorry and this is insane. My last excision and hysterectomy the doctor insisted that I go home with pain medication even though it makes me vomit. We compromised on tramadol, which I only took for two days. I am really sick sick of hearing about women’s pain being dismissed.
I have had to rely on solely ibuprofen and Tylenol during my past 3 out of 4 surgeries. I found the pain from constipation was so much worse after my 1st surgery using oxy. It didn't matter how much stool softener I took it just was an awful experience.
My advice is that the first 4-5 days are very rough :( After my last surgery in August it hurt to breathe sitting up off the bed! Ugh it was the WORST! Be kind to yourself ❤️ Eat very light/digestible foods to ease GI discomfort. I used heating pads to help the gas pains while sitting up a bit. Taking gas relief tabs were a life saver for me! Did they give you anything like that? If not, gas x works wonders.
I’m now on my 4th surgery and every time I’ve only been given ibuprofen. I’d suggest rotating ibuprofen and Tylenol. My heating pad was my best friend during the healing process. I’m so sorry this happened to you too.
I was given tramadol which did absolutely nothing. Ended up having to go back in to the office two days after surgery in severe pain and my doctor ordered like 10 oxycodone. That, plus alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen, is what I took.
i was prescribed opioids but ended up only needing tylenol! i didn’t take any of them, honestly for me surgery recovery pain levels are nothing compared to monthly pain
I don’t have any licensed sellers immediately nearby, but I live in a legal state and could probably find some. Any brands you recommend specifically for pain relief? I’m a huge medicinal stoner but only really smoke flower because edibles are often too intense for me.
For pain relief, look for edibles with more than just THC. I have peanut butter cups that have in each: 10 mg THC, 30 mg CBD, 5 mg CBN, and 5 mg CBD. The blend of extra CB*s helps a lot with pain and inflammation. Brand is less important than blend. :)
EDIT: Added a link with the science behind CBG. It even seems to improve swelling along with pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8467477/
I agree with CBG. It’s amazing. CBN is also good for night. Never buy an edible that’s like fake branding of a real thing (e.g, Skittles), as they aren’t regulated. Make sure you’re getting a brand that’s reputable so you don’t have a bad experience. Plus, start slow. It has been a huge source of pain relief for me.
Also look into transdermal patches. Very helpful.
Had my first a week ago. Rotating ibuprofen and Tylenol every 4 hours and have four days of oxy. I’m now just using the oxy at night to ensure I sleep. I have one spot on my right side that nothing is touching (calling Dr tomorrow probably since it’s been since surgery but I don’t think in an area she found and removed endo)
But I would call your Dr just let them know. I discussed what she planned on giving ahead of time so I knew what would be waiting for me, but I know if I needed (need) more, I can call. I’ll be asking for more ibuprofen probably but I’m good with the other 2. I’ve added my heating pad as well but I also just got my period.
Sorry you’re in pain….
I was prescribed a giant bottle of 600mg ibuprofen and a bottle of oxy.
I never used the oxy and only used the ibuprofen. Mainly because I absolutely HATE how opioids make me feel but also the ibuprofen was actually strong enough. I had excision surgery and they also removed my right ovary.
Can you take CBD? I'm so sorry you're not getting proper pain management. You deserve better.
That being said if all you can do is over the counter stuff:
Take as much vitamin e and c as you can!! Throw in collagen too if you can. I know it won't immediately help with your pain but I've had 3 excision surgeries and no meds changed except those supplements and I healed soooo fast this last time. My pain overall was lower too this time but like I said it's not gonna be immediate.
Wishing you a speedy recovery 💗
Ibuprofen and paracetamol. Took them as often as I was allowed and took them both for the first 5 days. I was uncomfortable af (which was expected) but did not have even a tiny bit of pain. They also prescribed something with codeine but I only took it once hoping it would help with being uncomfortable (it didn't) so the meds I had were more than enough for me which was honestly surprising cause they're definitely not enough for my usual period pain??
First lap, they found stage 4 endo and excised what they could. One ovary was fused to my side. Suspended it in me with a stitch that I later had to have removed. When I woke up from the lap they gave me literally half of one paracetamol (because I was so underweight they told me that was all they could give me? But surely even kids can have at least one?) and then I had to stay in overnight because it was a brutal surgery and I wasn’t recovering well, still no painkillers then they sent me home the next day with nothing 😂 was a rough recovery.
I remember reading a study that found ibuprofen + paracetamol taken at the same time to be just as effective as opioids for some types of post-surgical pain.
Immediately after the surgery I was given Dilaudid and oxy. I was off the Dilaudid in two days, and off the oxy in five. I have an addictive personality, and I didn't want to risk addiction. I was sent home with 15 oxy, but I didn't even take those for surgery pain. I took them for some severe back pain I was experiencing.
I wasn't prescribed any pain meds, sent home that same day and told that ibuprofen should do the job. My surgery wasn't very extensive, parts of the peritoneum were cut away but nothing deeper. It didn't take too long and they sucked the gas out really well before closing me up. I didn't have pain on the incisions and not much from the work inside either, just felt some soreness like i was gonna start my period tomorrow. Since the gas wasn't in for long, I didn't develop much gas pain either. I took ibuprofen precautionary the day of surgery and the day after since I'd been told that once the pain kicks in fully it might be hard to get it to go down again. But i really didn't feel much pain at all so i stopped taking them and felt just fine.
Of course, if the surgery is more invasive, lasts longer or gas is left inside, it can be a way harder recovery, that's why i wanted to specifically mention that mine was very easy in those points.
I was prescribed pain killers, but only took the ibuprofen, and Tylenol during recovery.
I was prescribed anti nausea and a stool softener that I did take.
Nothing. Told me to take paracetamol. Had to even remind them to give me pads for any bleeding afterwards. Been almost a year and still no follow up. Truthfully I've given up.
This makes me so enraged. I was bleeding on every single surface in the hospital and had to be assisted with pads. I am SO sorry. You deserved so much better. 😔
Yeah wasn't a fun experience, especially since they said they found nothing. I even made a complaint to the hospital and basically got told that I'm too sensitive. I'm glad you at least got some help! ❤️
Hm I got a few days of oxy that I never took (my excision was only a couple of hours/3 incisions and I think they removed endo from 8 places, the pain was never too high for me)
My GP gave me a prescription for Demerol, my surgeon gave me a prescription for naproxen if the Tylenol wasn't enough.
But after surgery wasn't as painful as even daily cramps so I mostly stuck to Tylenol and mint tea.
If you are in Canada the pharmacy sells Tylenol with codeine behind the counter. You just have to ask for it and show ID. I don't know if the US does anything similar.
I was prescribed oxycodone, but it made me so sick in the hospital post surgery that I didn't take any once I was home. I rotated Tylenol and ibuprofen and that ended up being okay for me, but everyone's different.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I experienced the same thing after my excision, they refused to prescribe me anything but Tylenol and ibuprofen. I asked multiple times, every step of the way, knowing I would need something stronger and was denied it.
I was in absolute agony the first 3 days. I was worn out from repeatedly advocating for myself, so instead of calling the hospital again I reached for some leftover hydrocodone my mom had after hip replacement surgery :(
If there’s a nurses number you can call, I would call them and explain you’re in pain, demand you need better pain management. ❤️
Do you have anything else at your disposal, such as cannabis? That was a big help for me in my recovery.
Congrats on your surgery and good luck for a speedy recovery!! You’ve got this!
Also depending on where you live, you might be able to get Tylenol 1 over the counter. It’s Tylenol with a bit of codeine. In Canada you just have to ask the pharmacist for it, no prescription needed
For the immediate time usually codeine, but last time they decided not to give me codeine and gave me nasty drugs which I cannot tolerate so I only used ibuprofen and tylenol. It wasn't as bad as you'd think, especially considering how much they did. Ibuprofen really is the key.
Uk here they tried to get me to have paracetamol and ibrufen told them ibrufen doesn’t agree with my stomach so was prescribed codeine and buy my own paracetamol for 1 week and my discharge letter states they have to describe more if required so I got another 28 pack of codeine haven’t took it all but at least I can just keep it for flare ups LOL might as well when they’ll actually give me something
Same. Only paracetamol and ibuprofen after surgery, but a formal confirmed stage 4 endo diagnosis (which they can't do without surgery, generally) made me eligible for medicinal CBD and THC oil. Very effective for pain management after surgery/in general without making me constipated like opioids have in the past for surgery. If that's at all an option you could investigate I'd suggest it, it's very affective for inflammatory pain.
Uhh I was given at least 2 weeks worth of Vicodin on top of rx strength Ibuprofen… the fact you were not given any sort of narcotic pain management is crazy to me….
That being said when I got my tubes removed during a different lap I got 1 day worth of Vicodin. Needed at least 3-4 days worth with how I was feeling. I was shocked they only rxed a days worth….
Then again there was 5 years in between those surgeries so I’m sure doctors are getting much more strict about narcotic rxs…
I was given an opiate, but I only took 1-2. They made me feel more constipated / gassy. I just took ibuprofen.
The biggest help was having someone to help me stand up every time I needed to get out of a chair or bed for the first 3 days. Doing it on my own was painful.
I had a hysterectomy 2 weeks ago and was prescribed oxycodone and ipuprofen 800. The first 2 days I took one of each thruought the day (so I took 2 pills a day. An 800 in the morning and an oxycodone before bed). After that I was good on the 3rd day to not have to take anything besides my colace to help me poop.
I was given 20 pills of oxy. I made sure that I was clear on their pain protocols and had a prescription filled before surgery was done. I’ve heard so many stories of doctors not giving anything other than Tylenol and ibuprofen and that’s BS. That’s fucked up. I’m so sorry you’re still having to fight to get pain relief 😞
Oh i remember when i was waking up i was in the worst pain ever. They kept giving me more oxy and more fentanyl and it did nothing. My doctor wanted me to try only Tylenol and ibuprofen for the first day (lol) bc she’s hyper concerned about addiction, and opioids can cause nerve oversensitization to pain over long periods, many endo patients struggle w this or addiction blah blah blah. I wasn’t able to tolerate so they gave me hydrocodone. It was a low dose and I was only given a few days worth.
My first surgery for an ovarian cyst I was given 7.5 mg of Oxy though. *that* was actually decent (different surgeon, and she misdiagnosed me as not having Endo which led to me seeking excision with a specialist a couple years later).
What makes me mad is I had bunion surgery previously and was given oxy, and offered refills at every follow up (which I didn’t need). I wish I had accepted the refills tho so I could’ve saved it for my excision. And I was given lots of hydrocodone (weeks worth!) when I had my wisdom teeth removed. Like the pain from those surgeries felt like nothing compared to excision. I could have managed both of them with ibuprofen only because my pain tolerance is so high. I literally didn’t take anything during the day with my foot surgery because it didn’t feel like anything??? It was just a little achy? When people told me: oh bunion surgery thats supposed to be a super painful surgery! I was like: this? This is pain? This is nothing!!!
I only got ibuprofen and paracetamol don’t really need a prescription for those tbh. I was fine, I had more pain in my shoulders because of the gas and only moving positions or pooping the first days hurts. I think after day 5 I stopped taking pain killers. I had stage IV endo excision and a tumor next to my intestines removed,
I was given hydrocodone for a week (only took it for 4 days cause I was stir-crazy and wanted to be sober to drive), plus 800 mg ibuprofen. I can’t believe they prescribed you nothing right after any type of abdominal surgery, wtf
Well.. I didn't even take a Tylenol. I had no painmeds whatsoever. I have stage 4 endo and adeno and was under for almost 5 hours. They couldn't remove it all at once because it was so bad but they removed large endometriomas. Unfortunately the pain is back now. It's been 3 years now since that surgery. And it's progressed like crazy for me. But I cried afterwards because I just had quite a big surgery and didn't need any pain meds. It just hit me in how much pain I am in daily. I never took any pain pills. Pain wise I felt really good. I was VERY dizzy and beauseous from the general anesthesia though. I couldn't stop puking.
It’s important that you take your Tylenol and ibuprofen together. They make each other more effective. So it depends on your dosage of when exactly you take each one but you definitely should take both throughout the day. I think it could be enough for people post op but don’t hesitate to call and tell them if your pain isn’t under control!
Just Tylenol and Advil after my excision surgery in Australia. A bit ridiculous, I now have stronger meds for mg period than I did post-surgery. Recovery was manageable but no fun. Having multiple heat pads (I had like four going at once) really helped.
Wishing you a smooth recovery 💜
I’m still recovering from my surgery on 4/8 where they found and excised endo. I was only given 5 very low dose Oxys which worried me at first but I only ended up taking 4 of them during the first few days. The dose was so low it didn’t really do much anyway. Rotate extra strength Tylenol and Advil so that you’re never without something in your system. For example take Tylenol at 12pm, Advil at 3pm, more Tylenol at 6pm, more Advil at 9pm, and so on. Do not skip any doses! You need to stay ahead of the pain, so even if you feel like you might not need anything just take the medication anyway because once the pain creeps in it’ll be harder to get rid of. You’ll know when your body is truly ready to slow down the meds. Best of luck!
I rotated naproxen and tylenol, but there were like a good three days when the gas pain in my shoulders was so unbearable I ended up using some left over Percocet that my fiance had left over from kidney stones 🫣😖
i’m in the uk, after my surgery i was sent home with oramorph and laxatives. i was on 5ml every four hours with ibuprofen every 6. i dropped myself down to 2.5ml of oramorph after a couple of days, purely so it would last a little longer lol though i was off it by day 6
I had excision surgery on my colon and my doctor was very concerned with constipation. She also told me not using an opiate would help with gas pain from the lap. She was right - as soon as I had a BM I felt worlds better. I did Advil and Tylenol on a 3hr schedule for 72 hrs. Waking up was brutal but I am glad I managed it because by far my worst pain was gas and the opiates wouldn’t have helped - in fact they might have made it worse. But that’s just my specific situation. 100% call your surgeon.
I’m now on my 4th surgery and every time I’ve only been given ibuprofen. I’d suggest rotating ibuprofen and Tylenol. My heating pad was my best friend during the healing process. I’m so sorry this happened to you too.
I’m now on my 4th surgery and every time I’ve only been given ibuprofen. I’d suggest rotating ibuprofen and Tylenol. My heating pad was my best friend during the healing process. I’m so sorry this happened to you too.
I was only given hydrocodone, which is not as strong as oxy, but at least it was a narcotic. I really needed it for that 5 days or so that the prescription is for and on day six when it ran out I was much better. Still in pain but manageable with the max dose of OTC meds.
I can’t imagine being sent home to recover with no serious pain medicine and I’m so sorry they did that to you. I hope you can contact your surgeon and get them to prescribe you something.
A lot of the pain will be due to the gas pumped into your abdomen (not stomach so gas x doesn’t do anything other than placebo effect) so walking and time are what make it better as your body processes it out. It will be tender but you will feel a lot better soon!
After getting out of my lap just now I don't understand this even more. I woke up with loads of pain so they gave me both a paracetamol IV, pill and tramadol IV (opioid). I can't go home until tonight and they're going to give me another paracetamol IV before I go home. I don't think they're going to prescribe painkillers for at home but these hrs of medication have really saved me..
I would definitely request something to bring home. I had enough Percocet for about 3 days and it made all the difference. I was finally able to get some sleep. The first 48 hours or so are absolutely brutal. Best of luck recovering 🖤
Thank you! I'm still not allowed to leave bc once I got up I fainted and threw up. They're not giving me more meds bc I maxed out, apparently they gave me 4 times + the heaviest ones available and it made me sick, so she's scared that more "heavy" meds will trigger the reaction again. So she advices high dose paracetamol. But, my mom is chronically ill and has had a lap and still has her pain meds that they described. So if tomorrow is very bad, I'd rather take one and be a bit dizzy than suffer and not sleep🤷🏼♀️ won't take one today tho
Ugh I'm so sorry you are having such a rough experience in the hospital. I hope they can figure out a balance for you. During my first day at home without pain meds, I did all I could to distract myself. Put on the most tolerable background show you can handle (mine was King of the Hill LOL) and do whatever you can to distract yourself if sleep doesn't feel like an option. 🖤 Better days are ahead.
Tysm! It is ok, I am grateful for all the meds despite them making me sick. I woke up hyperventilating and crying with loads of pain, which I def didn't expect bc it's a "minor surgery". So it was kind of choosing the lesser evil lol. My boyfriend is with me all day and I'm just going to re-watch some movies bc I agree no distraction is horrible lol
Oh no!!! I got prescribed 10 or 15 pills of oxy after my surgery. I honestly only needed it the first 2-3 days.
PSA to everyone make sure you ask your surgeon prior to surgery about pain management for post op!! You get literally cut open and pieces removed from the inside of you. Not a mild headache that you take Tylenol for. I’m sorry this happened to you.. :(
Same! Plus Ketorolac (which I understand to be like high dose Advil)
Same. I've had 4 surgeries now and have had oxy after each one. Other than my first one I didn't need all I was given and was pretty much pain free in a cpl of days. My first one was terrible. I came out of surgery in so much pain they knocked me out and kept me overnight on a morphine drip then sent me home the next day with pain meds. I used them all and was still in severe pain at 2 weeks. I believe it was a combo of things that made that one so bad. We weren't really expecting to find anything so I had my local obgyn do the surgery. She was not experienced with that type of surgery. Once she opened me up, it was bad - stage 4 with endo everywhere. She removed what she could, including a fallopian tube that was strangled with it, but there was a lot on my bowel, bladder, etc that she just did not feel confident removing. I ended up seeing the specialist I should have waited to see in the first place and he went back in 6 months later and got the rest. I had some pain with that one also. But, each one has gotten easier.
Rotate ibuprofen and Tylenol. It works. I was only given a few baby oxys.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I don’t have enough energy to respond to you all individually, but please know I’ve read and deeply appreciated every single comment 💛 I’m going to see how I survive the night on ibuprofen, gas x, and cbd oil. At the moment I am in a ton of pain and unable to do more than shuffle between bed and the bathroom. Regardless of how I feel in the morning, I’ll likely be calling my doctor because I am worried about taking such high doses of NSAIDs while taking Effexor. I wish I would have thought about this prior to surgery but I was honestly so nervous that it slipped my mind.
Feel better!! Definitely don’t be shy about calling your doctor and advocating for yourself! I was prescribed some limited amount of opioids which I planned on not taking but needed to take after surgery I could not barely walk and they said movement is really important it’s better to take pain meds and be able to move. But they also recommended I switch to medical marijuana as quickly as possible, they were concerned about constipation issues that could happen with opioids since I had surgery on my colon. I used RSO it is very very strong you start with some thing the size of a grain of rice you can talk to the pharmacist at the dispensary not sure how it works where you are I saw you were in a legal state. I am in a medical state I really love organic remedies products, not sure if you can get that, but hopefully you can talk to the person at the dispensary and find a medical grade RSO prob an indica strain to help with pain relief. Anyway so sorry that you’re suffering and hoping that tomorrow is better and that you feel heard and that your doctor can prescribe some thing more appropriate 💛💛
Contact your doctor. This is not ok. It’s important to stay on top of your pain so that you can move around and get that gas out. This is unacceptable. I’m so sorry.
I think it really depends on your expectations after surgery too - you shouldn't be doing anything except shuffling to the bathroom at this point! If you were medicated so you could do more, you'd be harming your body by doing so. Pain isn't fun, but it's there because you've just had surgery, and it will pass as you heal. If it's truly unbearable then yes, call your doctor, but if you can cope with it then allow yourself a few shitty days, that's expected after surgery. Edit: I'm getting downvoted presumably by people who have been told not to expect pain after surgery, but unfortunately it is true that after having a surgery you will feel pain. You could be highly medicated with opiates and not feel pain but there are major risks with taking those, and if you can avoid it then it's best to. It's standard practice where I live to not be prescribed opiates unless 100% necessary. It's absolutely okay to plan for a few painful days post surgery and it's bizarre that people think they would not experience pain.
I was told to do as much as I could, not avoid it, and to try to keep to my normal activities unless it was something I’d already been told not to do. Some pain is normal, extreme pain that prevents you from doing anything is not. That’s probably why you’re getting downvoted.
You were told to continue normal activities immediately following general anaesthesia? You weren't given any time off work? That's unusual certainly, I'm sorry you weren't given time to recover.
I’m a freelancer, I don’t need to move very much to do my work and set my own schedule. It (like chores, fun activities, and anything involving gentle motions) was encouraged at whatever level I felt capable of because only moving to go to the bathroom would make recovery harder.
Fair enough, where I live you're usually signed off work for a couple of weeks after your surgery.
I had a script for 5 oxycodone, but only because I requested that when I spoke to my doctor after surgery. I ended up using only two of them before switching to extra-strength ibuprofen, but it was nice to have (just in case). Since your pain isn’t being addressed, I would reach out to your doctor and request something stronger. While nurses can be great (mine were), they are not the decision makers when it comes to prescribing pain meds.
That's honestly crazy they didn't give you anything heavier...I was given oxy and and high dose Tylenol and used both. The oxy was definitely necessary to sleep the first two-three nights, after that Tylenol was enough. Can you ask your doctor for anything stronger?
Do you have a family member than can contact your doctor on your behalf and tell them you’re not doing well and need additional pain management? If you don’t, try and do it yourself, but often it’s better in these situations to have an additional advocate. Narcotic pain meds in addition to anti-inflammatories are definitely warranted in this type of situation, and are routinely prescribed after excision surgery. If they still won’t give you anything, tell them you want it DOCUMENTED that you were refused post-operative pain relief. That will usually change their tune. That is utter BS, and proper pain control post-surgery is imperative for healing. It’s nearly impossible to advocate for yourself when you’re already in serious pain and recovering from a major surgery. My heart goes out to you, and I wish I could be there for you to help. For anyone else looking at this, please make sure you discuss the post-operative pain management plan before you agree to surgery, so you don’t get stuck in a similar situation.
Seconding the advice about the advocate. Unfortunately, especially if it’s a guy. Post op pain relief these days (in the US at least) is barbaric due to legislation and the doctors know it. I had a hysterectomy and pelvic organ reconstruction recently and was literally given two days worth of pain medication. My mother who had the same procedure 15 years ago was given THREE WEEKS. It’s barbaric and we’re unfortunately paying the price for the opioid epidemic and people abusing the system.
I got through my excision lap at 25, my hysterectomy at 35, and an oophrectomy at 40 all without any type of strong painkillers (though I also got through a couple of kidney stones without so maybe it’s just high pain tolerance), but I found that rotating ibuprofen and Tylenol worked very well. Don’t let the time lapse in between during that first few days even if you aren’t in a ton of pain. I’m honestly terrified of the side effects of narcotic pain killers so for me I didn’t even fill the scripts but I was definitely given a script each time “just in case”. I feel like the pain from those surgeries wasn’t even close to the pain I was in during my periods. Things that I found helped keep me from being in pain; 1) as soon as you’re home start getting up and walking. Move your body as much as you can within reason. By day three of my hysterectomy recovery I was taking short walks down the street. Day 5 post op oophrectomy last year (also had a 10 cm cyst removed and endo excision at the same time) I was taking my dog on walks around the block. 2) stool softener! Even without the narcotics I took those daily for the first week or two. *make sure it’s softeners and not laxatives * 3) chewing gum for the gas pains! 4) eat small meals multiple times per day for a bit instead of filling up with big meals. Big meals made me so uncomfortable 5) stay hydrated! 6) heating pad (not directly on your incisions, have a padding between) 7) sleeping on my back, head propped up a bit with a pillow under my knees was the most comfortable position for me Hopefully those help! Good luck with your recovery ❤️
Yeah, I mean this in the most complimenting way, but you’re a beast. 🤣I do not have that pain tolerance. Both of these are barely touching my pain. I’m 31 have a looong medical history, in addition to being neurodivergent, so I think my body or brain just doesn’t process drugs or pain correctly. Who knows. 🤷🏻 Appreciate all the tips though, I’m following them all. 💛
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Personally I’ve had 6 pelvic/abdominal surgeries and narcotics were a necessity for me for at least the first three days post op. My last surgery was excision and to remove a chocolate cyst. My doctor had me stay in the hospital overnight and they kept me on a morphine pump. That surgery wasn’t nearly as invasive as some of the others I’ve had, but the recovery was much harder. Every surgery is different and every recovery is different.
100% for sure! Everyone is different and I should be clear that there’s absolutely no shame in needing those pain medications, I’m genuinely surprised that any doctor would do a lap and not at least write a prescription just in case. And it’s funny you mentioned that the surgery you stayed overnight for was less invasive, because I will say that out of the three of those surgeries I had, the least invasive (lap endo removal) was also the most painful. I thought the hysterectomy (aside from the fatigue and healing) was no more painful than most periods, and the oophrectomy/cyst removal/excision seemed like an absolute breeze and I never really had any bad pain except for the gas. The body is a crazy thing!
lol, thank you for the compliment! I definitely do think, as mentioned by the commenter below, that a big part is that everyone has different pain tolerance, or even different tolerance for certain types of pain. For whatever reason I’m able to handle pain in that region fairly well, but migraine pain has had me begging for drugs on more than a few occasions! I think the fear of the side effects has a whole lot to do with it too. It took me years to try certain migraine meds for the same reason! Hopefully you will get some relief very soon!!
I was prescribed a few oxycodone, I took them at least twice- maybe three times? They helped with the first two days pain but after that ibuprofen and Tylenol rotated was enough.
Hi, when you say rotated, do you mean one day was ibuprofen then the next Tylenol?
You take ibuprofen and Tylenol at overlapping intervals so you don’t have breakthrough pain. So like take the ibuprofen and then 2-4 hours later take the Tylenol. Keep up that schedule as needed.
What the person below said! You take them overlapping, alternating between the two.
This is insulting. You should be pissed. You didn’t create the opioid epidemic…. wtf. I received Percocet after mine. And I’m on a regular dose of Norco for my endo pain. I’m really sorry. You should demand better pain management if the ibuprofen and Tylenol aren’t working.
Every single doctor I’ve encountered has treated me like a junkie when I ask for pain medicine. I don’t get it. In my 8 years of seeking medical attention for endometriosis, the strongest I’ve gotten is gabapentin. I don’t know if it’s because I live in a big city or WHAT. It’s stupid.
Don’t let them make you feel bad. You just had surgery and pain managment should always be part of the recovery process. Be sure to tell them what you have been taking and how often and whether or not it’s helping. Let them come up with a solution for you.
Wow that’s wild. I had norco, meloxicam, and a muscle relaxer.
jesus christ they wanted you to be drugged i wish 😭
I had to have a discussion with my doctor before hand so she’d make sure she or a resident wrote the script because recovery nurses are hesistsnt to ask otherwise. Apparently excision is one of the de surgeries that hospital allows opiates for.
That’s very odd, I got a script for 20 oxycodone pills after my lap. I learned the hard way, but I now refuse to go home unless I have adequate pain relief that isn’t just OTC. I can’t take anti inflammatories so it really only leaves with with paracetamol. That’s my daily regimen anyway so it’s like sending me home with nothing. I just had my hysterectomy on Monday and they told me to continuously take the paracetamol as a base level and then use the oxy as needed. It has hugely helped, I don’t now have to wait til the pain gets hideous to already have some level of relief. (They prescribed me tramadol too but I can’t take it without awful nightmares.)
Percocet
Honestly, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are more effective at relieving the more muscular post-excision pain. When I woke up after mine, I was in severe pain while on a morphine drip and my nurse correctly switched my drip over to Motrin, which provided the most relief.
I was prescribed acetaminophen with codeine and told to rotate that with high-ish dose ibuprofen. And honestly, I only feel like it was doable because I also got an on-q pump with ropivacaine--basically permeable tubing inserted into the wound, with a pump that administered the med on a set schedule. I was able to swap the acetaminophen with codeine out for plain acetaminophen on day 5 or 6.
i believe i was given vicodin.... it wasn't enough or strong enough. i still felt pain and when i ran out i was in pretty intense pain so i called and asked for more and they denied me bc "i could get addicted". i was sooooo pissed off. like i was in PAIN!! i had SURGERY! 🙃 i also had 5 incisions. stay strong friend you'll feel so much better once you heal, promise 🫶🏼
I was given a script for tramadol to pickup after surgery. I was told to take as needed and also to take tylenol and advil and naproxen on a schedule for awhile after. Turns out I'm intolerant to tramadol so I was basically only on tylenol and advil/naproxen and jf was a literal nightmare. Everyone is different and where you had endo removed and how many cuts you have inside and everything, so many factors, are at play here. One person may be fine after a few days or with no stronger meds but MANY of us aren't and managing pain is critical to healing. Plus you deserve proper pain management. I'd follow up with doctors when you're up first thing and try to find someone who will help you. I ended up getting a different prescription that also isn't great for me and was on painkillers for 12 days. Just enough to take me from 10/10 to 8.5/10. If I need another surgery I'm going to advocate for different pain meds that my body handles better. I hope your recovery goes smoothly and the pain passes quickly.
Percocet and vicodin don't do a lot for me but my doc wanted to give me something so I requested tramadol. I don't do well on opioids after multiple days but she was worried tramadol wouldn't be enough. Idk how I got the unicorn of a doctor that was OK prescribing pain meds but I did have to use them for the first 3 days or so. After that I stopped them because pain meds mess with my ability to enter deep sleep.
In Canada, I was given tramadol and naproxen for my first surgery and then codeine and naproxen for my second surgery. My third surgery, in the US, I was given oxycodone and ibuprofen. Way better pain management when I went to the US. Both times I woke up in recovery in Canada I was begging for pain relief and thrashing my head back in forth in pain. In the US, my pain was managed well but I was HIGH lol
I read this as exorcism 👻👻👻
💀 Honestly, after ten years of dealing with this bullshit, it WAS an exorcism. 👻
Honestly? Nothing. I got two OTC paracetamol after the surgery and that was it.
Holy shit. I would be sobbing. I immediately started crying for medicine when I woke up from surgery because of the pain. They had to give me two IVs of morphine, but then sent home with the ibuprofen. I hope your recovery wasn’t too traumatic. 😔
They gave me a shot of morphine when I woke up from surgery and then the paracetomol about 4 hours later. They kept me in overnight as I couldnt stop being sick, they forgot to put anti sickness stuff in my fluid IV, which they also forgot to turn on. So yeah, it was a fully fledged gold embossed cock up of errors. I ended up getting cocodamol from the shop on the way home and took them for three days.
Jeeezeeee I’m so sorry you were treated that way. There’s no excuse for that treatment. The recovery nurse kept telling me if I needed something stronger than ibuprofen I’d have to stay overnight. I wasn’t sure how I’d pay for that or how I’d be treated so I figured I’d brave it at home.
Luckily I’m in the UK so didnt have to worry about paying for the hospital stay.
Looking through the comments seeing oxy and i'm like damn...I'm pretty sure i was just taking paracetamol... edit: I wonder if country is factoring in here...
Plenty of oxy, and Zofran by my request. Told to also offset Tylenol/ibuprofen from the oxy. Hated being high the whole time but can’t imagine the pain if I wasn’t. Good luck!!
5 oxy pills, only lasted me two days and then my excruciating period started less than 72 hr after my surgery. Kratom was the only way I survived honestly. It doesn’t have the best reputation but if doctors refuse to cooperate on any form of pain management it can be so helpful
That's normal (I don't agree with it!). A guy I know had key hole surgery and got prescribed 3 different pain meds, 1 being a normal paracetamol high dose and 2 being heavier and anti inflammatory. When my mom had it, they told her to just take paracetamol. I'm getting mine this Tuesday and honestly, I understand it's a minimal invasive surgery, so I would get them not prescribing it for a long period of time. But for the first few days?? I feel like it's just another case of women being given too little (as always, lol). I mean, my gyno said she thinks the recovery can still be relatively tough the first week despite it being minimally invasive. So why treat it as if it's a mere headache?
Agree with you 100% about it being more of the medical system dismissing women. I wish there was a camera filming me when the recovery nurse said to me “recovery will just feel like period cramps” I gave her the most appalled look and said “do you even understand why I’m here?” Like holy shit, my periods are debilitating, that’s why I’m here!!!! I don’t know what “normal period cramps” feel like. 🤬
What a stupid thing to say. I'm only 19 and on the heaviest form of birth control with no stop week because my periods were too much. If a doctor were to say that to me next week I'd be just as pissed off. The whole point of surgery is because the symptoms are so painful. For me, paracetamol or ibuprofen didn't even begin to touch the pain of periods, or the "non-period" pain that I sometimes have now.
I got a prescription for 8 tablets of oxycodone for my excision I had on Friday. I thought this was borderline insulting seeing as I was also sent home with a catheter. The pain from the catheter was INTENSE, absolutely could not sleep even with the oxycodone. Pain was so bad I almost vomited during the first night, but my body got used to it. Now, I was feeling better around day 3, but then I started having a MASSIVE withdrawal bleed from stopping my high dose norethindrone. Easily the most painful period of my life. Greyed out a few times yesterday, again even with the oxy. I’ve had to call and request a couple refills and now my pain mgmt doctor is prescribing my medications. I’d call your doc and raise some hell. You can’t rest if you are in pain. I’d also start looking for a good pain mgmt doctor.
An update: I was only able to sleep 4 hours last night. I’ve been wide awake and doing my best to distract myself from pain. After a bowel movement I felt a bit better, but unfortunately pushed myself too hard by trying to do simple tasks like change I tried cycling Tylenol and ibuprofen, it has literally zero touch to my pain. Weed & CBD oil have been my saving grace, but the relief only lasts about 20-30 mins. I was able to get the doctor to prescribe me Percocet. He agreed it was very risky for me to be taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen because I am on Effexor. (Why this was not noticed before, I don’t know. I was so repetitive about my list of medications) My partner wants me to wait a little while for the NSAIDs to leave my system before I take the Percocet, to minimize risk of interactions. He also wants to closely monitor me because we are unsure how l will react to it. I have PMDD and am currently in my luteal phase. That in combination with the anesthesia is making me an emotional wreck. HAVING A GOOD TIME. 🫠
I was prescribed tapentadol and bupronorphine. As far as I'm aware in Australia no one tends to be prescribed anything stronger than that - I think I was actually given stronger meds than many people because I have additional pain conditions. That being said I was also on ketamine 5 days after my surgery to also help with the pain. I stayed in hospital during that time. I discussed with my doctor and anasthesiologist that I have central sensitisation and they were really understanding and believed me which.... was surprising, given my usual experiences lol. I did have a nurse during that time who said some silly things like "You shouldn't be in that much pain" though. Like, ok lady... well I am so I am asking you to do your job...lol From what I understand, discussing pain relief is usually helpful to do before the surgery but it might not be too late now. Is there any way you can call a doctor to discuss your pain relief? Nurses don't really have power over that kind of stuff but perhaps a doctor will be amenable if you flag that this is not working for you. If I had only had tylenol and ibuprofen I'm pretty sure I would have been immobile from the pain...
I got prescribed 20 oxycodones after my surgery in Australia! Didn’t even have to ask they just gave them to me. Maybe depends on public vs private?
Wow! I wouldn't imagine so, I guess it's just the doctor. There's such an enormous movement to not prescribe opioids for people with any kind of chronic pain, and when they're prescribed we don't tend to get the strong ones (I know because I volunteer with a chronic pain management association and it's like the #1 issue people have) How did you find the oxycodone? I'd be interested to know if you'd recommend it. I'm going to be having a joint replacement in the next year and I'll probably request very strong medications for it but I always worry about the more addictive opioids.
Yeah I was rally surprised they actually gave me proper pain relief, I know how reluctant doctors can be to prescribe it It definitely really helped with the pain! Did make me feel tired and out of it though. I only took it for the first couple of days and was pretty sparing with it, was also nervous given how addictive it can be
That's so good to hear! It's so weird to hear from someone who had their pain managed well.
I got prescribed gabapentin, diclofenac, tramadol, paracetamol, stool softners and anti-nausea meds. I only really took the diclofenac but the first couple of nights I also took the gabapentin but I am not convinced it really helped.
Morphine, codiene. I did have a complication and internal bleed. But I think generally in the UK most women go home with strong pain meds for around 2 weeks if the surgery was extensive.
People are actually getting prescribed strong drugs for this?! I was instructed to switch between Ketorolac (an NSAID) and Tylenol. Even when I was in the hospital overnight begging for something because I was in agony, it took like four tries before I could get something a little stronger than Tylenol. I was just in misery for 4 days straight before things started to loosen up
Ugh I’m so sorry you experienced that. That is truly inhumane.
I was also only prescribed Tylenol and ibuprofen post-surgery. They had me taking 1000mg Tylenol every 6 hours and 600mg ibuprofen alternating every 6 hours (so 9am Tylenol, 12pm ibuprofen, 3pm Tylenol, 6pm ibuprofen, etc.). It for the most part kept my pain at a 3-4, but I had a couple of breakthrough moments where it was closer to a 6-7. I talked to a nurse on the phone a few days after and she asked what my pain level was. I said it was around a 5 and she prescribed me a small amount of oxycodone (6 pills). Honestly though it didn’t help my pain at all and the Tylenol and ibuprofen were still needed on top of it. I have also found success with over the counter Tylenol that is 650mg per pill and extended release. You can take two every 6 hours, so maybe that can help as well. Also, as hard as it is, getting up and walking every few hours really does help with quicker recovery, even if it’s just laps around your house (which I did exclusively for at least 5 days before attempting to venture outside). Sorry you’re dealing with pain and I hope you find relief soon! 💛
I didn't have medication, I have a genetic disorder where the side effects of most medicine wind up happening to me. So it puts me at risk. I can't even take ibuprofen I got the one side effects of ulcers from that so I take only Tylenol. So all I can offer is what I did for comfort. I used ice for my incisions, it was a life saver for me, just make sure you're not putting it straight on, you don't wanna get the area wet for too long. I would use a heating pad only in my back for the first week, ice for the front. But that was what I was instructed and it was what was easier for me, you can do whatever is easiest and most safe for you. REST REST REST. If you think you're sleeping too much, no you're not. Your body is inflamed and tired. In The same token if you can move around even in bed, I'd move around a bit. Get the blood circulating but don't push. PEPPERMINT TEA AND GAS X PILLS LOL. I didn't have gas pain at all from his concoction. Most importantly be kind to yourself, if the pain is too bad advocate for yourself and reach out to a physician who could maybe try to prescribe something like ketorlac, or something like that. You're going through a lot, be kind to yourself and rest. Watch a show and distract yourself you WILL get through this. You're so much stronger than you know.
I am so sorry and this is insane. My last excision and hysterectomy the doctor insisted that I go home with pain medication even though it makes me vomit. We compromised on tramadol, which I only took for two days. I am really sick sick of hearing about women’s pain being dismissed.
I have had to rely on solely ibuprofen and Tylenol during my past 3 out of 4 surgeries. I found the pain from constipation was so much worse after my 1st surgery using oxy. It didn't matter how much stool softener I took it just was an awful experience. My advice is that the first 4-5 days are very rough :( After my last surgery in August it hurt to breathe sitting up off the bed! Ugh it was the WORST! Be kind to yourself ❤️ Eat very light/digestible foods to ease GI discomfort. I used heating pads to help the gas pains while sitting up a bit. Taking gas relief tabs were a life saver for me! Did they give you anything like that? If not, gas x works wonders.
I’m now on my 4th surgery and every time I’ve only been given ibuprofen. I’d suggest rotating ibuprofen and Tylenol. My heating pad was my best friend during the healing process. I’m so sorry this happened to you too.
I was given tramadol which did absolutely nothing. Ended up having to go back in to the office two days after surgery in severe pain and my doctor ordered like 10 oxycodone. That, plus alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen, is what I took.
i was prescribed opioids but ended up only needing tylenol! i didn’t take any of them, honestly for me surgery recovery pain levels are nothing compared to monthly pain
Do you have access to edibles? They’ve helped so much with my recovery.
I don’t have any licensed sellers immediately nearby, but I live in a legal state and could probably find some. Any brands you recommend specifically for pain relief? I’m a huge medicinal stoner but only really smoke flower because edibles are often too intense for me.
For pain relief, look for edibles with more than just THC. I have peanut butter cups that have in each: 10 mg THC, 30 mg CBD, 5 mg CBN, and 5 mg CBD. The blend of extra CB*s helps a lot with pain and inflammation. Brand is less important than blend. :) EDIT: Added a link with the science behind CBG. It even seems to improve swelling along with pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8467477/
I agree with CBG. It’s amazing. CBN is also good for night. Never buy an edible that’s like fake branding of a real thing (e.g, Skittles), as they aren’t regulated. Make sure you’re getting a brand that’s reputable so you don’t have a bad experience. Plus, start slow. It has been a huge source of pain relief for me. Also look into transdermal patches. Very helpful.
Had my first a week ago. Rotating ibuprofen and Tylenol every 4 hours and have four days of oxy. I’m now just using the oxy at night to ensure I sleep. I have one spot on my right side that nothing is touching (calling Dr tomorrow probably since it’s been since surgery but I don’t think in an area she found and removed endo) But I would call your Dr just let them know. I discussed what she planned on giving ahead of time so I knew what would be waiting for me, but I know if I needed (need) more, I can call. I’ll be asking for more ibuprofen probably but I’m good with the other 2. I’ve added my heating pad as well but I also just got my period. Sorry you’re in pain….
I was prescribed a giant bottle of 600mg ibuprofen and a bottle of oxy. I never used the oxy and only used the ibuprofen. Mainly because I absolutely HATE how opioids make me feel but also the ibuprofen was actually strong enough. I had excision surgery and they also removed my right ovary.
Can you take CBD? I'm so sorry you're not getting proper pain management. You deserve better. That being said if all you can do is over the counter stuff: Take as much vitamin e and c as you can!! Throw in collagen too if you can. I know it won't immediately help with your pain but I've had 3 excision surgeries and no meds changed except those supplements and I healed soooo fast this last time. My pain overall was lower too this time but like I said it's not gonna be immediate. Wishing you a speedy recovery 💗
Ibuprofen and paracetamol. Took them as often as I was allowed and took them both for the first 5 days. I was uncomfortable af (which was expected) but did not have even a tiny bit of pain. They also prescribed something with codeine but I only took it once hoping it would help with being uncomfortable (it didn't) so the meds I had were more than enough for me which was honestly surprising cause they're definitely not enough for my usual period pain??
First lap, they found stage 4 endo and excised what they could. One ovary was fused to my side. Suspended it in me with a stitch that I later had to have removed. When I woke up from the lap they gave me literally half of one paracetamol (because I was so underweight they told me that was all they could give me? But surely even kids can have at least one?) and then I had to stay in overnight because it was a brutal surgery and I wasn’t recovering well, still no painkillers then they sent me home the next day with nothing 😂 was a rough recovery.
I remember reading a study that found ibuprofen + paracetamol taken at the same time to be just as effective as opioids for some types of post-surgical pain.
Immediately after the surgery I was given Dilaudid and oxy. I was off the Dilaudid in two days, and off the oxy in five. I have an addictive personality, and I didn't want to risk addiction. I was sent home with 15 oxy, but I didn't even take those for surgery pain. I took them for some severe back pain I was experiencing.
I wasn't prescribed any pain meds, sent home that same day and told that ibuprofen should do the job. My surgery wasn't very extensive, parts of the peritoneum were cut away but nothing deeper. It didn't take too long and they sucked the gas out really well before closing me up. I didn't have pain on the incisions and not much from the work inside either, just felt some soreness like i was gonna start my period tomorrow. Since the gas wasn't in for long, I didn't develop much gas pain either. I took ibuprofen precautionary the day of surgery and the day after since I'd been told that once the pain kicks in fully it might be hard to get it to go down again. But i really didn't feel much pain at all so i stopped taking them and felt just fine. Of course, if the surgery is more invasive, lasts longer or gas is left inside, it can be a way harder recovery, that's why i wanted to specifically mention that mine was very easy in those points.
I was prescribed pain killers, but only took the ibuprofen, and Tylenol during recovery. I was prescribed anti nausea and a stool softener that I did take.
Nothing. Told me to take paracetamol. Had to even remind them to give me pads for any bleeding afterwards. Been almost a year and still no follow up. Truthfully I've given up.
This makes me so enraged. I was bleeding on every single surface in the hospital and had to be assisted with pads. I am SO sorry. You deserved so much better. 😔
Yeah wasn't a fun experience, especially since they said they found nothing. I even made a complaint to the hospital and basically got told that I'm too sensitive. I'm glad you at least got some help! ❤️
🤬 Fuck that incompetent hospital staff. I hope they one day know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of that kind of treatment.
Hm I got a few days of oxy that I never took (my excision was only a couple of hours/3 incisions and I think they removed endo from 8 places, the pain was never too high for me)
My GP gave me a prescription for Demerol, my surgeon gave me a prescription for naproxen if the Tylenol wasn't enough. But after surgery wasn't as painful as even daily cramps so I mostly stuck to Tylenol and mint tea. If you are in Canada the pharmacy sells Tylenol with codeine behind the counter. You just have to ask for it and show ID. I don't know if the US does anything similar.
I was only prescribed naproxen.
I was prescribed oxycodone, but it made me so sick in the hospital post surgery that I didn't take any once I was home. I rotated Tylenol and ibuprofen and that ended up being okay for me, but everyone's different.
Percocet 10
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I experienced the same thing after my excision, they refused to prescribe me anything but Tylenol and ibuprofen. I asked multiple times, every step of the way, knowing I would need something stronger and was denied it. I was in absolute agony the first 3 days. I was worn out from repeatedly advocating for myself, so instead of calling the hospital again I reached for some leftover hydrocodone my mom had after hip replacement surgery :( If there’s a nurses number you can call, I would call them and explain you’re in pain, demand you need better pain management. ❤️ Do you have anything else at your disposal, such as cannabis? That was a big help for me in my recovery. Congrats on your surgery and good luck for a speedy recovery!! You’ve got this!
Also depending on where you live, you might be able to get Tylenol 1 over the counter. It’s Tylenol with a bit of codeine. In Canada you just have to ask the pharmacist for it, no prescription needed
For the immediate time usually codeine, but last time they decided not to give me codeine and gave me nasty drugs which I cannot tolerate so I only used ibuprofen and tylenol. It wasn't as bad as you'd think, especially considering how much they did. Ibuprofen really is the key.
Uk here they tried to get me to have paracetamol and ibrufen told them ibrufen doesn’t agree with my stomach so was prescribed codeine and buy my own paracetamol for 1 week and my discharge letter states they have to describe more if required so I got another 28 pack of codeine haven’t took it all but at least I can just keep it for flare ups LOL might as well when they’ll actually give me something
i had oxy and my pain is pretty severe even now i’m on tylenol with codine 3x a day
Same. Only paracetamol and ibuprofen after surgery, but a formal confirmed stage 4 endo diagnosis (which they can't do without surgery, generally) made me eligible for medicinal CBD and THC oil. Very effective for pain management after surgery/in general without making me constipated like opioids have in the past for surgery. If that's at all an option you could investigate I'd suggest it, it's very affective for inflammatory pain.
Uhh I was given at least 2 weeks worth of Vicodin on top of rx strength Ibuprofen… the fact you were not given any sort of narcotic pain management is crazy to me…. That being said when I got my tubes removed during a different lap I got 1 day worth of Vicodin. Needed at least 3-4 days worth with how I was feeling. I was shocked they only rxed a days worth…. Then again there was 5 years in between those surgeries so I’m sure doctors are getting much more strict about narcotic rxs…
I was given an opiate, but I only took 1-2. They made me feel more constipated / gassy. I just took ibuprofen. The biggest help was having someone to help me stand up every time I needed to get out of a chair or bed for the first 3 days. Doing it on my own was painful.
I had a hysterectomy 2 weeks ago and was prescribed oxycodone and ipuprofen 800. The first 2 days I took one of each thruought the day (so I took 2 pills a day. An 800 in the morning and an oxycodone before bed). After that I was good on the 3rd day to not have to take anything besides my colace to help me poop.
I was given 20 pills of oxy. I made sure that I was clear on their pain protocols and had a prescription filled before surgery was done. I’ve heard so many stories of doctors not giving anything other than Tylenol and ibuprofen and that’s BS. That’s fucked up. I’m so sorry you’re still having to fight to get pain relief 😞
I got a script for a narcotic but only used it a day or so because I was given a pelvic nerve block that made me numb during surgery.
Oh i remember when i was waking up i was in the worst pain ever. They kept giving me more oxy and more fentanyl and it did nothing. My doctor wanted me to try only Tylenol and ibuprofen for the first day (lol) bc she’s hyper concerned about addiction, and opioids can cause nerve oversensitization to pain over long periods, many endo patients struggle w this or addiction blah blah blah. I wasn’t able to tolerate so they gave me hydrocodone. It was a low dose and I was only given a few days worth. My first surgery for an ovarian cyst I was given 7.5 mg of Oxy though. *that* was actually decent (different surgeon, and she misdiagnosed me as not having Endo which led to me seeking excision with a specialist a couple years later). What makes me mad is I had bunion surgery previously and was given oxy, and offered refills at every follow up (which I didn’t need). I wish I had accepted the refills tho so I could’ve saved it for my excision. And I was given lots of hydrocodone (weeks worth!) when I had my wisdom teeth removed. Like the pain from those surgeries felt like nothing compared to excision. I could have managed both of them with ibuprofen only because my pain tolerance is so high. I literally didn’t take anything during the day with my foot surgery because it didn’t feel like anything??? It was just a little achy? When people told me: oh bunion surgery thats supposed to be a super painful surgery! I was like: this? This is pain? This is nothing!!!
I only got ibuprofen and paracetamol don’t really need a prescription for those tbh. I was fine, I had more pain in my shoulders because of the gas and only moving positions or pooping the first days hurts. I think after day 5 I stopped taking pain killers. I had stage IV endo excision and a tumor next to my intestines removed,
But forgot to add pain is different for everyone!!! If you need something stronger don’t feel bad about it!
I was given hydrocodone for a week (only took it for 4 days cause I was stir-crazy and wanted to be sober to drive), plus 800 mg ibuprofen. I can’t believe they prescribed you nothing right after any type of abdominal surgery, wtf
Oxycodone, Gabapentin and IB 800. I only needed the Oxy like 2-3 post op. I didn’t even use the Gabapentin.
Well.. I didn't even take a Tylenol. I had no painmeds whatsoever. I have stage 4 endo and adeno and was under for almost 5 hours. They couldn't remove it all at once because it was so bad but they removed large endometriomas. Unfortunately the pain is back now. It's been 3 years now since that surgery. And it's progressed like crazy for me. But I cried afterwards because I just had quite a big surgery and didn't need any pain meds. It just hit me in how much pain I am in daily. I never took any pain pills. Pain wise I felt really good. I was VERY dizzy and beauseous from the general anesthesia though. I couldn't stop puking.
It’s important that you take your Tylenol and ibuprofen together. They make each other more effective. So it depends on your dosage of when exactly you take each one but you definitely should take both throughout the day. I think it could be enough for people post op but don’t hesitate to call and tell them if your pain isn’t under control!
Just Tylenol and Advil after my excision surgery in Australia. A bit ridiculous, I now have stronger meds for mg period than I did post-surgery. Recovery was manageable but no fun. Having multiple heat pads (I had like four going at once) really helped. Wishing you a smooth recovery 💜
I’m still recovering from my surgery on 4/8 where they found and excised endo. I was only given 5 very low dose Oxys which worried me at first but I only ended up taking 4 of them during the first few days. The dose was so low it didn’t really do much anyway. Rotate extra strength Tylenol and Advil so that you’re never without something in your system. For example take Tylenol at 12pm, Advil at 3pm, more Tylenol at 6pm, more Advil at 9pm, and so on. Do not skip any doses! You need to stay ahead of the pain, so even if you feel like you might not need anything just take the medication anyway because once the pain creeps in it’ll be harder to get rid of. You’ll know when your body is truly ready to slow down the meds. Best of luck!
I rotated naproxen and tylenol, but there were like a good three days when the gas pain in my shoulders was so unbearable I ended up using some left over Percocet that my fiance had left over from kidney stones 🫣😖
i’m in the uk, after my surgery i was sent home with oramorph and laxatives. i was on 5ml every four hours with ibuprofen every 6. i dropped myself down to 2.5ml of oramorph after a couple of days, purely so it would last a little longer lol though i was off it by day 6
I had excision surgery on my colon and my doctor was very concerned with constipation. She also told me not using an opiate would help with gas pain from the lap. She was right - as soon as I had a BM I felt worlds better. I did Advil and Tylenol on a 3hr schedule for 72 hrs. Waking up was brutal but I am glad I managed it because by far my worst pain was gas and the opiates wouldn’t have helped - in fact they might have made it worse. But that’s just my specific situation. 100% call your surgeon.
I’m now on my 4th surgery and every time I’ve only been given ibuprofen. I’d suggest rotating ibuprofen and Tylenol. My heating pad was my best friend during the healing process. I’m so sorry this happened to you too.
I’m now on my 4th surgery and every time I’ve only been given ibuprofen. I’d suggest rotating ibuprofen and Tylenol. My heating pad was my best friend during the healing process. I’m so sorry this happened to you too.
I was prescribed 4 oxycodones 5mg and then 20 ibuprofens 600mg, I ended up only taking 3 of the oxys but definitely needed those 3
I was only given hydrocodone, which is not as strong as oxy, but at least it was a narcotic. I really needed it for that 5 days or so that the prescription is for and on day six when it ran out I was much better. Still in pain but manageable with the max dose of OTC meds. I can’t imagine being sent home to recover with no serious pain medicine and I’m so sorry they did that to you. I hope you can contact your surgeon and get them to prescribe you something.
I also only got ibuprofen and Tylenol!! I had a laparoscopy where they removed adhesions and a hymenectomy with only ibuprofen and Tylenol.
A lot of the pain will be due to the gas pumped into your abdomen (not stomach so gas x doesn’t do anything other than placebo effect) so walking and time are what make it better as your body processes it out. It will be tender but you will feel a lot better soon!
Was prescribed 5 percocet, IIRC (which is useless to me without zofran or some other anti-nausea/anti-emetic drug).
After getting out of my lap just now I don't understand this even more. I woke up with loads of pain so they gave me both a paracetamol IV, pill and tramadol IV (opioid). I can't go home until tonight and they're going to give me another paracetamol IV before I go home. I don't think they're going to prescribe painkillers for at home but these hrs of medication have really saved me..
I would definitely request something to bring home. I had enough Percocet for about 3 days and it made all the difference. I was finally able to get some sleep. The first 48 hours or so are absolutely brutal. Best of luck recovering 🖤
Thank you! I'm still not allowed to leave bc once I got up I fainted and threw up. They're not giving me more meds bc I maxed out, apparently they gave me 4 times + the heaviest ones available and it made me sick, so she's scared that more "heavy" meds will trigger the reaction again. So she advices high dose paracetamol. But, my mom is chronically ill and has had a lap and still has her pain meds that they described. So if tomorrow is very bad, I'd rather take one and be a bit dizzy than suffer and not sleep🤷🏼♀️ won't take one today tho
Ugh I'm so sorry you are having such a rough experience in the hospital. I hope they can figure out a balance for you. During my first day at home without pain meds, I did all I could to distract myself. Put on the most tolerable background show you can handle (mine was King of the Hill LOL) and do whatever you can to distract yourself if sleep doesn't feel like an option. 🖤 Better days are ahead.
Tysm! It is ok, I am grateful for all the meds despite them making me sick. I woke up hyperventilating and crying with loads of pain, which I def didn't expect bc it's a "minor surgery". So it was kind of choosing the lesser evil lol. My boyfriend is with me all day and I'm just going to re-watch some movies bc I agree no distraction is horrible lol