How Long on Pain Meds After Your Surgery?
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You likely were prescribed a small supply of narcotic pain medicine (about a week’s worth) when discharged from the hospital after your joint replacement surgery.
As you near the end of that prescription, if you still feel your pain is unmanageable, you will need to contact your surgeon for a new short-term prescription.
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Most patients are advised to gradually wean themselves off of prescription pain meds after a week or 2 by alternating with (and eventually switching to) over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) if they can tolerate it. If you don't already have instructions about this, contact your surgeon.
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Some patients may need a strong pain med for 6–10 weeks post-op in order to do the physical therapy necessary to obtain desired flexion. Talk with your physical therapist and surgeon about the right pain-relief solution for you.
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You likely will need some kind of pain relief for up to 2–3 months post-op. Ask your surgeon about other types of pain relief. Ice, for example, can help with pain and swelling. Exercise, at the direction of physical therapist, also helps to reduce pain while strengthening the area around your joint.
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Opioid Pain Med Safety
Because of the risk of addiction, opioid pain medications are best taken only as directed and for the shortest period of time, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Always follow the dosage instructions for your pain meds. Do not increase your dosage unless specifically advised by your surgeon.
If you’re concerned about relying too much on your pain meds, talk with your surgeon about the safest way to prevent dependency.
What to ask about if you’re prescribed an opioid pain reliever.
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