How to taper off meds after two level fusion?

[Trish_H]

Hi there!  I'm a 45 year old female.  Four weeks ago I had L4-L5-S1 fusion to correct a bilateral pars defect, spondylolisthesis, and a discectomy with a cage implanted with a BMP bone graft to replace my ruptured L4-L5 disk. The surgeon said I had significant nerve compression and that it was pretty messy in there. After four days in the hospital I was released with a number of prescriptions.  Right now I take two 20mg OxyContin daily, two 5mg Flexeril daily which is replaced with one 5mg Valium at night, and one 10mg Oxycodone Acetaminophen every 5 hours (I was on one every four hours but downgraded to every five hours yesterday). My doctor also gave me a prescription for Hydrocodone Acetaminophen to take instead of the Oxycodone for when I was ready.  I tried to replace the Oxycodone with the Hydrocodone but it gave me tremendous nausea and terrible anxiety the one day I took it...I almost had a panic attack in the middle of the night and thought my husband was going to have to cal 911!  Does anyone have a suggestion for the best way I can wean off the meds? I am extremely sensitive to all medications and hate to take anything, but the pain is still too severe to just stop.  Would it be better to try to wean off the Oxycontin long lasting pills or the Oxycodone sort acting pills or the muscle relaxers???  Has anyone else been ok on Oxycodone but not Hydrocodone?  It's surprising that am ok on the stronger one!  Any suggestions for a substitute for Hydrocodone?  I know everyone's healing process is biddefernt and this is a major surgery, but any idea how long do you think I will need to take something? I'm ready to feel normal again!

Thanks for your advice and opinions!

[Kalvin]

Its commendable that you want get off the meds, but you've got to give yourself a chance to heal. That's a fairly extensive surgery you've been through.  I had a single level fusion several years ago and that was bad enough, but you had a two level. Course everyone's different.

As the pain decreases and you begin to feel better you'll be able to cut down on the amount you're taking.

Wish you a speedy recovery!

[Trish_H]

Thank you for your support!  I have an appointment for my first follow up next week so I'm looking forward to hearing what they have to say.  I cut out the OxyContin but have kept the rest of the meds the same.  I couldn't stand the wave feeling it gave me.  Lately I've been feeling very depressed but from what I read it's fairly normal after such a major surgery...I sure am ready to be my normal self again!!!