81/2 weeks post-surgical biceps tendon repair. Just started physical therapy 1wk ago(2-3 per wk for 4-6 wks) Currently taking lortab10/500: 1 q 4-6hrs prn. #31 per rx. For the last 8wks. However,the new PT regiment is causing sporadic pain increases. I find that if I break one in 1/2 along with a regular dose or between doses it helps enough to deal with, somewhat. Thing is: I don’t want to go through my script too soon,I don’t like taking so much asprin and I’m very reluctant to take anything stronger. My current med doesnt eleviate all the pain, it just enhances my perception of the pain and allows me to continue to work/function. Which is good enough for me, I expect some pain during the healing process. The breakthrough pain is borderline debilitating. What could my options be? I’ve tried 800mg motrin and other analgesics, none work. I would like to educate myself prior to speaking to my (busy) Orthopod.
P.S. This is my first time being a patient. Normally, very healthy and active
#1 by mistify on December 13, 2009 - 9:52 am
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Before even taking the anti-inflammatory, I would really discuss this with your surgeon. Many MDs are adament against using NSAID after surgical procedures because they actually are thought to delay the healing process.
As far as which specific analgesics (pain meds) can help with breakthrough pain, I cannot answer that; however I will say that many of my patients who’ve gone through a musculotendonous repair do well with the addition of a muscle relaxer.
Ask to talk to his triage nurse…they can usually answer many questions and get some answers for you.
#2 by The Un-Cola on December 13, 2009 - 4:42 pm
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Have you tried using heat or ice on your shoulder?