question about post-op meds

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#1 Post by **moonpie** » Wed Jun 23, 2010 6:03 pm

Hi everyone,

For those of you post-op, I have a question about post-op medications. It's my understanding that patients are generally given pain medications and antibiotics to prevent infection. Is that generally the case with everyone? If so, I'm wondering when you were given antibiotics. Were they administered to you while still at the hospital, or do you generally start these at home? I'm curious because I have been reading about stuff like allergic reactions to medications, and I was wondering if patients are generally monitored for anything like that. I don't plan on being allergic to anything, but still curious.

OK, I really need to stop reading stuff, it's just making me obsess over details! But it would be nice to know what to expect post-op. Thanks for any info!!!

#2 Post by **Quince** » Wed Jun 23, 2010 6:24 pm

They started giving me the medication at the hospital. At first, the antibiotics were administered by IV, and then I moved on to liquid forms. I think that's the case for everyone, and there's no need to worry. Usually you're only released from the hospital once they make sure you'll be safe at home. Plus, the medication is pretty basic (penicillin, advil, and a stronger pain killer you can skip).

You'll also have to buy your prescribed medication ASAP after you leave the hospital, but of course, it's going to be the same stuff you were given during your stay.

#3 Post by **charlsie142** » Wed Jun 23, 2010 6:25 pm

I was given prescriptions at my pre-op appointment, and I discussed medication issues at that time. I'm allergic to penicillin/amoxicillan, so they had to adjust accordingly for that. Also, I mentioned my tendency to be nauseous, so they made sure to tell me what to do there and made sure I received a patch right after surgery to prevent nausea (almost worked...lol).

I got the same antibiotics at the hospital that I took at home (but it was given IV at hospital). However, I was given morphine at the hospital for pain management, but hydrocodone at home. Hydrocodone made me sick (see above) at the hospital since I hadn't eaten much when they gave it to me. Morphine was...awesome.

I wasn't lucky enough to have a pump, but the nurses were prompt when I said I needed pain meds.

Also, I took some steroids (decadron) the night before surgery, and was pumped full of them at the hospital, too.

So, long story short, you will be taken care of at the hospital and won't need your prescriptions there with you...just be sure to fill them before surgery so you can go home as quickly as possible after leaving the hospital and have everything you need there with you.

Good luck with your surgery--it's good to prepared (and to stay busy preparing...)!!!

#4 Post by **MetalMedic** » Thu Jun 24, 2010 5:56 am

Any DO DO DO DO BE generous with the pain meds. If it says every 4 hours, take it EVERY 4 hours. Its not worth being uncomfortable and in pain. Don't worry, YOU WONT get addictied or hooked. Its non-sense and unwarranted. People only get addicted when theyre on it for MONTHS due to chronic problems. With the short amount of time you'll need it, you cant/wont get hooked. So again, be generous to yourself.

#5 Post by **geordie999** » Thu Jun 24, 2010 9:52 am

They had me on antibiotics, steroids (to help with the swelling), and pain meds during my hospital stay. I had to buzz them once or twice during my overnight stay since the swelling was causing some discomfort. Upon check out they gave me a prescription for hydrocodone, liquid antibiotics, and pseudoephedrine to keep my breathing ways clear. For the first few days you'll really want to take the pain meds, antibiotics and whatever else you have on a regular schedule. It really helps to have a calendar so you can mark off when you took everything. The antibiotics were every six hours which meant waking up in the middle of the night to take them - but I wasn't sleeping for long periods anyway so it wasn't such a big deal. I stopped taking the pain meds after about 4 days - but each case is different.

#6 Post by **moonpie** » Fri Jun 25, 2010 12:13 am

Hey, thank you all so much for sharing. It makes me feel so much better to know what I should expect. Thanks and happy continued healing to everyone!

Mon Jun 28, 2010 12:56 pm

had iv pain meds for 24 hours and then they switched me to liquids. Unfortunately I was one of the lucky ones to have an allergic reaction so had to stay in extra till they could figure out what was causing the reaction. Once they figured it out (turns out it was the amoxillian that was mixed with something else) they were able to put me on something different and so I was able to go home. They really do take good care of you and closely monitor you so no need to worry but if you are worried don't hesitate to ask and discuss this prior to your surgery.

on a side note morphine really was awesome! hahaha