Using Vicodin for pain relief

[amazed274]

I am presently recovering from rotator cuff surgery, which I had on August (30). As many people are aware, this is a painful surgery to go through, and the worst part is the 3 - 4 months of therapy which follows.

I have recently weaned myself from the use of Vicadin and Percocet (only 1 pill in 8 days), because I felt as though I was becoming addicted to its use. I still suffer from pain from my therapy, and this affects my sleep at night along with often having nagging pain in my shoulder. Since I quit taking the pills, I've been using Ibuprofen to deal with the pain. Although it doesn't work as well, I don't have to be concerned about addiction.

The problem with not taking the stronger pain medicine is that I cannot be as vigorous and regular with my therapy as I could have been using the pain meds.

I know that many people on this forum have become addicted to pain meds as a result of an injury or medical procedure. I was wondering what advice you all would have for me as someone who could really use the pain medication, but am very concerned about addiction to the point that I have cut back on my therapy, so as to not need (as much) the pain meds.

What advice do you have for someone recovering from rotator cuff surgery? I am still going to therapy three times a week and this causes pain, but the pain is much less than earlier on.

Thanks in advance for you comments.

[amazed274]

Yes, I've had follow up appointments. Now, because I've developed frozen shoulder, the surgeon wants to do a "manipulation under anesthesia." He told me that if I opted to have that procedure, I would certainly have to go back on strong pain meds.

I guess I would say that my surgery has NOT gone well. Others in my therapy center have come and gone, but I'm still at it with no end in sight at present.

Thanks for you comment. I do appreciate it.

[amazed274]

What made me think I was developing dependency was that I started to get nausea in between doses. I ended up going off the pills ct, and for about three nights, it was rough.

I am now taking a half Vicodin (5/325) on some nights when the Ibuprofen doesn't work. I'd rather just take the Vicodins, but because my recovery from my surgery has taken so long, I am sure I would have developed addiction. I've been in therapy for three and a half months now. My shoulder has frozen and so I'm not done yet either.

[amazed274]

Thank you! Those are all good points.

[Totie]

I had shoulder surgery done as well.

Have had your follow up appointments with the surgeon?

I only had to take the pain med for a week, after that 800 ibuprofen worked real well for my pain. However, for me I had to drive & work, so I did not stay on them long. My PT lady would use some type of jeal along with heat thearpy to calm down my nerves after doing PT.

Are you sure the surgery went well?

[trixy71]

The doctor did prescribe them for a reason. Most people find that they don't need them after a while, but if its slowing your progress it may end up worse in the long term.

May I ask why you felt you were getting addicted to them? did you feel like taking them for pleasure, because if you felt the need to take them to relive the pain than, no i wouldn't say that its wrong to still use them when needed. Good luck to you.

[mitinkitten]

If you're following doctor orders and doctor is not a complete moron, you are probably ok. If you have a concern cause its a long time talk to the doctor.

Sometimes addicts or those who fear it under medicate and run into trouble. I was a year sober when I had a major abdominal surgery, and I refused pain meds after 10 days ... and I probably healed slower for it.

Doctors are trained to make good choices for their patients. That doesn't mean they are perfect, but they know more than you or me, I'd hazard. So seek some advice. I can only give you my experience.

Good fortune to you!

Dor