How to reduce post operative pain?
Patient: I had revision lumbar surgery L2 thru S1 on January 7th , 2014. The nerve pain has been resolved,however, I am experiencing severe post operative pain at S1 where the surgeon anchored screws into my pelvis. The surgeon wants me to stop using Hydromorphone, which I understand . I am not dependent on the medication, but it does resolve the pain. Therefore, what can I Take to help with the pain? What can I do physically to reduce pain other than physical therapy? What is the prognosis and success rate of this surgery? What, if any, are physical limitations ? Thank you. Doctor: Hi, I am a practicing anaesthesiologist and pain consultant.I have gone through your question. Its been 3 years now, after your surgery. If you were taking hydromorphone for such long duration it is better to stop it now, though you are not dependant. It is better to go for other safe pain killers like tramadol and paracetamol. I would like to suggest, you should go for repeat MRI/CT scan of spine to rule out any other possibility like nerve pain, loosening of the screw etcSurgical results of these surgeries are excellent if done by expert hands.Daily walking, good protein diet,wrm fomentation will also help a lot.