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Re: [RC] [RC] for men too! - Laney Humphrey

Why oh why can't people docs take the time to explain such things?! Grrrrr. I had knee surgery in March and was given prescriptions for a variety of pain killers. The doc did actually explain the "wind-up" effect so I was good about taking what meds I did take before the pain got bad. But, even tho' he prescribed, anti-inflammatories, he never told me why, so of course I didn't take them. After a couple of months, when there was still some swelling, he told me I really should be taking them but never did say why. Most people are smart and if given a reason are much more likely to comply than if they are just told "do it!" I did take them and also rode/walked 2 days at the Schellbourne xp ride. My knee is just fine now but I'm going to try to remember to consult with Dr. Susan if there ever is a next time.
Thanks, SuG!
Laney


Susan E. Garlinghouse, D.V.M. wrote:
Since so many people have mentioned it, I disagree with the little/no pain
meds plan of attack, at least depending on what the specific medication is.
If the scrip is for something that only provides masking of the pain ---
opioids and such like percodan, darvocet, morphine drips, etc, then fine.
Titrate them as you wish.  I agree that it's better not to overuse the meds
that knock you for a loop and keep you from getting up and walking around,
as that WILL slow recovery.

Also, there is such a thing as 'wind-up' pain.  Long story, but essentially
means it takes less drugs to *prevent* pain than it does to *treat* pain.
So don't wait until you're really hurting to get a little help.  If you take
a half dose before things get bad, you're less likely to need a full dose
later on, and your overall drug requirement ends up being less, and thus
recovery faster.

However, don't skip the use of the anti-inflammatory drugs like Tylenol with
or without codeine, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, etc.  Yes, they are also
analgesic and thus count as pain meds.  But a more important function
post-surgery is to reduce swelling, inflammation, AND MOST IMPORTANT, reduce
development of abdominal adhesions.  You do NOT want to tough it out and
skip those drugs at the risk of forming adhesions.  Those suckers hurt and
can cause lasting problems.  So get off the opioids as soon as you can, but
do not skip those anti-inflammatories for at least several weeks
post-surgery!

Tough is good, but smart is better.

Susan Garlinghouse, DVM, MS Also in the Best Thing I Ever Did Club

P.S. I asked David what he suggested as a way for hubbies to help their
ladies. Succinct as ever, he said, "If it weighs more than five pounds,
carry it for her, take it away from her if necessary and don't wait to be
asked."



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Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

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Replies
RE: [RC] [RC] for men too!, Susan E. Garlinghouse, D.V.M.