Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Why oh why can't people docs take the time to explain such things?! 
Grrrrr.  I had knee surgery in March and was given prescriptions for a 
variety of pain killers.  The doc did actually explain the "wind-up" 
effect so I was good about taking what meds I did take before the pain 
got bad.  But, even tho' he prescribed, anti-inflammatories, he never 
told me why, so of course I didn't take them.  After a couple of months, 
when there was still some swelling, he told me I really should be taking 
them but never did say why.  Most people are smart and if given a reason 
are much more likely to comply than if they are just told "do it!"  I 
did take them and also rode/walked 2 days at the Schellbourne xp ride. 
My knee is just fine now but I'm going to try to remember to consult 
with Dr. Susan if there ever is a next time.
Thanks, SuG!
Laney

Susan E. Garlinghouse, D.V.M. wrote:
> Since so many people have mentioned it, I disagree with the little/no pain
> meds plan of attack, at least depending on what the specific medication is.
> If the scrip is for something that only provides masking of the pain ---
> opioids and such like percodan, darvocet, morphine drips, etc, then fine.
> Titrate them as you wish.  I agree that it's better not to overuse the meds
> that knock you for a loop and keep you from getting up and walking around,
> as that WILL slow recovery.
>
> Also, there is such a thing as 'wind-up' pain.  Long story, but essentially
> means it takes less drugs to *prevent* pain than it does to *treat* pain.
> So don't wait until you're really hurting to get a little help.  If you take
> a half dose before things get bad, you're less likely to need a full dose
> later on, and your overall drug requirement ends up being less, and thus
> recovery faster.
>
> However, don't skip the use of the anti-inflammatory drugs like Tylenol with
> or without codeine, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, etc.  Yes, they are also
> analgesic and thus count as pain meds.  But a more important function
> post-surgery is to reduce swelling, inflammation, AND MOST IMPORTANT, reduce
> development of abdominal adhesions.  You do NOT want to tough it out and
> skip those drugs at the risk of forming adhesions.  Those suckers hurt and
> can cause lasting problems.  So get off the opioids as soon as you can, but
> do not skip those anti-inflammatories for at least several weeks
> post-surgery!
>
> Tough is good, but smart is better. 
>
> Susan Garlinghouse, DVM, MS 
> Also in the Best Thing I Ever Did Club
>
> P.S.  I asked David what he suggested as a way for hubbies to help their
> ladies.  Succinct as ever, he said, "If it weighs more than five pounds,
> carry it for her, take it away from her if necessary and don't wait to be
> asked."  
>
>
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Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

Ride Long and Ride Safe!!

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