[smileygb]

Ok a bit about myself. I am 4.5 years out from surgery, at my goal weight and as far as the bypass everything is going good. Had little narrowing of my opening in stomach but got that fixed and everything is gtg now with one exception.

I have 3 totally herniated/ruptured discs in my back due to heavy lifting for 15 years at my jobs and being overweight. Anyways I have been taking Hydrocodone 10mg/325mg Acetaminophen since 1997 for pain management. It always worked well with management of pain and I only took prolly 90 over 3 or 4 months, no big deal. However since gastric bypass it is wearing off faster and doesn't seem to be absorbing and I am currently prescribed to take one every 4 hrs. for pain and I have been running out a week prior to my appointment. I understand tolerance build up and all that but this is drastic and I am not a drug addict and I actually break them in half and only take 5mg at a time so to not take more than I have to take to get releif but it just doesn't feel like it is working as well or as long since surgery and I end up having to take several before getting releif and they wear off alot sooner and then I am having to take more. I have routine drug screens and do not do illegal drugs and no history of abuse or addiction. This is the only prescription for pain I take and I have to to be able to function as I work 2 to 3 jobs. I also take Prevacid, B12, and daily vitamins.

How do I handle this with my family doctor, I mean he has presribed for me to take Celebrex and that is a No No with RNY from what I have read and I am concerned he will not understand. I have not told him I am running out early and that I feel it is due to the RNY surgery. My RNY surgeon tells me to take double doses of any oral meds and vitamins due to absorbtion rates. Do I ask for a different medication or do I ask for more? How do I go about this, is there a Medical study online that I can print off and take with me? I cannot find one. Any input or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

[MsVickie]

This it self is a very good question. I have to take them myself for breakthough pain for arthritis. I have the same problem. I dont have the anwser. Perhaps Doc can shed some light on this for you and me to.

[MaggieEley]

After surgery I was prescribed Roxicet, which is oxycodone with acetaminophen. I was told that absorption would be different after surgery than before, which, of course, it is. The liquid worked very well and didn't wear off before it was supposed to. Since pain management is a big thing these days for doctors and nurses, I would talk with your MD about the GBP and ask him to research what he needs to do for you.

Of course, there are other things you can do for your back pain. Those things include meditation, acupuncture and massage, all of which help me stay off the meds for my own serious back problems. I also take a juice supplement that has amazing anti-inflammatory activity. It's called Xango, and it's made with a fruit called the mangosteen. I've been using it for about 4 years, and I don't ever want to be without it. If you are interested, you can check out the research at MyMangosteenRN.com.

Good luck, and I hope you find some solutions for your pain.

Maggie

[DocSanae]

I would suggest that you ask to be referred to a pain manangement dr who understands the limitations put on bypass patients. Part of your problem may be that you are not absorbing enough through your digestive system--the med is passed through quickly due to the shortened route. Patches are also an option, I believe, so ask your dr.

[MsVickie]

Smileygb they are right. I have done what they have stated mine is a bit of a different situation because I do go to pain management and have a patch. It works great. Your GP will however have to make a referral to one more than likely. Make sure you get a good one or one that you hear alot of good stuff about because they dont like anyone changing a pain management dr.

[dixieladybug]

I had my second total knee replacement a few months after my wls they prescribed liquid pain meds and also a pain patch that really helped. I can not remember the name but I am sure you doctor will know of some. That way it does not have to be absorbed through your stomach. Hope you can find something that helps. I understand your pain. ((hugs))) dixie

[smileygb]

My family MD is the one who presribes and manages my pain, I don't have a pain managed doctor close to where I live (closest is like 2 hours away). He is very understand usually but I am worried I will sound like an addict if I ask for more. Should I go see my surgeon who did my gastric bypass and let him know what is going on and maybe see if he will consult with my family doctor or what? Do I just explain to him that I am not absorbing and need more? The meds work and I have tried everything else except patches or in the past without any relief, Hydrocodone was the only thing that worked, he tried about 10 different pain meds. I just need advice on how to approach my family doctor and also if anyone knows where I could find some info on this online to print off and take in with me, that way I am prepared.

[smileygb]

Just had a thought. What if I dissolved the pills in water and then drank them (small amount like in a 30cc med cup)? Will they still pass through my system too fast?

[MsVickie]

You know what since your family Dr is the one that treats you for this talk to him. Hes not gonna think your a drug addict. The dose you on is acutally low. He needs to see you anyways if things are getting worse. Dont worry. Just make an appotment and go see him. If he needs the back up knowlegde about it going through your system to quickly he can consult with your surgeon. Be good to you and call your Dr or make an appoitment. I suggest making an appoitment myself so he can make sure nothing is is causing you the pain or your backs gotten worse.

[Heathersue26]

Hi everyone,
I had my WLS back in 2001, I'm now 37. I weigh about 160 comfortably, a little less when I work at it. I have degeneration in my lumbar spine and have had an impingement in my right shoulder. The lumbar issues has caused chronic nerve pain that runs down my right leg, to the ankle. Over the past 9 months, my neck has been the new problem. Other than probable DDD in the cervical spine, there is probably some arthritis. My PCP said she found (what I thought where trigger points) calcified lymph nodes that run up the side of my cervical spine as well. The neck pain I have endured is terrible. Over the past 2 years I have routinely been on Tramadol, thinking it was the best option (non narcotic and not and antiinflamitory). Of course the best treatment for what I have is an NSAID. Of course we can not take that. the tramadol use has been on the rise I think because of the lack of the absorption ans the very short half life it has.

Just started seeing a Pain Management Specialest that did some neck exrays. He wants to do neck injections under fluoroscopy. (so he can view the bones and nerves while hE injects in the correct area). I'm a little nervous of this. Will it be a long term every 6 moth injection routine? Should I see if there is a better drug to be on for the pain???

Has anyone had joint issues years after WLS? Could we have further deficiencies we aren't aware of?

Sorry for rambeling, thanks for listening!,

Heather