LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Up at 4:00AM yesterday, out the door at 5:00 for the drive to outpatient surgery clinic 60-odd miles away. Got checked in for pre-op, IV started, sedative administered on the way to OR, then a nerve-block injection that pretty much turned my left shoulder and arm into a chunk of dead meat. General anesthesia administered, arthroscopic procedure to deal with bone spurs, arthritic deposits, damaged bursa, rotator cuff, and biceps tendon.
Wide awake by 10:00AM. Fitted with a complicated shoulder restraint containing cooling coils connected to a portable ice chest and pump to circulate chilled water through the coils as a means for controlling swelling, etc. Sent home with 10 days supply of morphine sulphate, 30 days of oxycodone, the recommended laxative to deal with opiate-induced bowel difficulties, and leg compression devices to guard against thrombosis (blood clots).
Peaceful evening at home without much discomfort. Took one of the morphine tablets as a precaution before bed. Slept very well for about 6-1/2 hours, then woke up clear and focused with no more than moderate discomfort. No swelling or inflammation. Everything feeling pretty good.
Unless some rude event sneaks up on me I doubt that I will need any of the pain meds, which also precludes the need for constipation meds. I'll be in a sling for 2 to 4 weeks, probably keep some ice packs around in the event of need.
So far, I am pleased to report that sometimes things just go right! Good doc, great nurses and professional staff. This was provided by the VA, by the way (those folks who seem to catch a lot of complaints in the media and social forums).
Wide awake by 10:00AM. Fitted with a complicated shoulder restraint containing cooling coils connected to a portable ice chest and pump to circulate chilled water through the coils as a means for controlling swelling, etc. Sent home with 10 days supply of morphine sulphate, 30 days of oxycodone, the recommended laxative to deal with opiate-induced bowel difficulties, and leg compression devices to guard against thrombosis (blood clots).
Peaceful evening at home without much discomfort. Took one of the morphine tablets as a precaution before bed. Slept very well for about 6-1/2 hours, then woke up clear and focused with no more than moderate discomfort. No swelling or inflammation. Everything feeling pretty good.
Unless some rude event sneaks up on me I doubt that I will need any of the pain meds, which also precludes the need for constipation meds. I'll be in a sling for 2 to 4 weeks, probably keep some ice packs around in the event of need.
So far, I am pleased to report that sometimes things just go right! Good doc, great nurses and professional staff. This was provided by the VA, by the way (those folks who seem to catch a lot of complaints in the media and social forums).
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My first thought was, that sounds like a lot (30 days worth) of pain meds for an arthroscopic surgery. A follow up appointment with the surgeon in a week - 10 days (WAS) common, & more pain meds prescribed then IF NEEDED. I saw more of the "big gun" pain meds for SEVERE (breakthrough) type pain, with a lesser pain med like Vicodin for lesser "discomfort". I'd lock those narcs in the safe with a FEW close at hand. They have a tendency to disappear. NO NEED TO ADVERTISE that you have them. Rehab is the one area that the pt has the most input into, IMO. Go slow, think before you move. You won't get extra points for being a hero or martyr, so IMO use the pain meds if needed, & it's "best" to stay in front of the pain, rather then waiting until it is unbearable. All the best for a speedy recovery. 
I guess all his great work is why him & his family needed a vacation on our dime. 
GUESS WHAT, your busted! Got caught with your hand in the cookie jar! MAN UP & admit it. Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya. The swamp got a little lower. 
