Surgeon only gives Tylenol after surgery

[Anonymous]

new to the convo here, but before my recent surgery i was actually given ibuprofen before hand. It's been shown that ibuprofen before surgery can help reduce pain after the procedure and improve recovery outcomes.

And it work for me. I was quite amazed! I literally had no pain after the procedure. It was in my groin area, so instead of stitches, they used superglue and a transparent patch until it all healed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a nurse, I've never worked with a surgeon or any physician for that matter, who only prescribes Tylenol for pain. What you need post-operatively depends on a lot of factors. This is a red flag in my opinion.

Yeah, like the actual level of pain, complications, etc. Asking for opiates at a consult is wild, and suggests drug-seeking behavior, regardless of the procedure in question. If the professional performing the procedure doesn't think it will be necessary, go with that. If they absolutely refuse if/when it is actually necessary, call your GP or another provider with whom you have a working relationship or go to an emergency room. A patient willing to bounce because they weren't guaranteed opiates before they were necessary is a massive red flag to the clinician.

No GP in the United States is going to Rx opioid painkillers in the immediate aftermath of a surgery performed by someone else—and rightly so.

It is reasonable to find out in advance whether you are having surgery performed by someone who will use the full range of pain mitigation that they are legally authorized to provide, or by someone who categorically rules some of the most powerful out in advance.

I can’t tell from OP’s post whether that is what they inquired about, therefore none of the rest of us know what scenario we are arguing about.

Good vibes to all undergoing surgery—and all in, or contemplating, recovery from substance use disorders.

I want a doctor to categorically rule out the most powerful narcotics in advance of procedures that don't require them. At most, I want them to say "if you encounter complications, call the 24-hour line and we'll take care of it." That's responsible. I don't want a pill-pusher (again), and I wish more people understood what they were risking taking these meds when they really don't have to. But some people can't even have that conversation without crashing out about meth for some reason.

So walk us through this “call the 24 hour hotline” that you reference. Let’s say I have a hysterectomy and as a single mom I have break through pain at 2am that your mega dose of Tylenol isn’t helping, what do I do?

Kid is sleeping like 6 year old should. Call a sitter at 2am so I can run to the ED or find some pharmacy that is open at 2am to fill a prescription. Be specific.

“Oh but you should have someone staying with you!” I’m sure is your next gripe. Really? You expect someone else to be running all over the city looking for a 24 hour pharmacy to fill a prescription? For something that is expected?

What if I’m alone? Call a friend? Wake up a neighbor? Get my 1st grade kid out of bed and take him to the ED with me to “seek” pain meds?

This is why women don’t get proper medical care! We are expected to just “deal with it”.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I met with a surgeon today for a consult for significant and urgent surgery. There were a number of things I was unimpressed with but one was that they only give Tylenol. I feel like they would probably give more if a patient was in REALLY bad shape but her take was “some discomfort is normal after major surgery but it should be manageable with Tylenol.” That’s jacked up. We invented medication so that you don’t have to feel pain. Give a patient 3-5 days of pain meds. I’m meeting with other surgeons because this one seems heartless.

It would depend on the surgery. I've had some surgeries where all I had was Tylenol. I was sore but dealt with it and was fine after a few days.
I also had a kidney removed. I got something a bit stronger for the 24 hrs following surgery. After the 1st day, I was given Tylenol.

I think the patients who don't want to feel any pain are red flags. It's surgery. It will be painful. The pain meds should be used cautiously and within reason. Opioid addiction and overuse is real.

+1 Another way of wording "drug-seeking behavior" is "reality denying behavior". Post-surgical pain is part of the reality of having surgery, and you shouldn't expect a pain-free experience. Pain management isn't pain elimination.

There are some stages between no pain and rolling around on the floor screaming in agony. I gather you are more toward to hands clenched in agony and sweating through the sheets side.

+1
I die. Like women don't know how to tolerate pain. We tolerate way more than men. We tolerate way more than patriarchal doctors. GMAB. Why pile on more unnecessary pain on someone just because "it's surgery and pain is expected". Eff that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I met with a surgeon today for a consult for significant and urgent surgery. There were a number of things I was unimpressed with but one was that they only give Tylenol. I feel like they would probably give more if a patient was in REALLY bad shape but her take was “some discomfort is normal after major surgery but it should be manageable with Tylenol.” That’s jacked up. We invented medication so that you don’t have to feel pain. Give a patient 3-5 days of pain meds. I’m meeting with other surgeons because this one seems heartless.

It would depend on the surgery. I've had some surgeries where all I had was Tylenol. I was sore but dealt with it and was fine after a few days.
I also had a kidney removed. I got something a bit stronger for the 24 hrs following surgery. After the 1st day, I was given Tylenol.

I think the patients who don't want to feel any pain are red flags. It's surgery. It will be painful. The pain meds should be used cautiously and within reason. Opioid addiction and overuse is real.

+1 Another way of wording "drug-seeking behavior" is "reality denying behavior". Post-surgical pain is part of the reality of having surgery, and you shouldn't expect a pain-free experience. Pain management isn't pain elimination.

There are some stages between no pain and rolling around on the floor screaming in agony. I gather you are more toward to hands clenched in agony and sweating through the sheets side.

+1
I die. Like women don't know how to tolerate pain. We tolerate way more than men. We tolerate way more than patriarchal doctors. GMAB. Why pile on more unnecessary pain on someone just because "it's surgery and pain is expected". Eff that.

If you don't like sweating through your sheets, you should stay away from opiates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a nurse, I've never worked with a surgeon or any physician for that matter, who only prescribes Tylenol for pain. What you need post-operatively depends on a lot of factors. This is a red flag in my opinion.

Yeah, like the actual level of pain, complications, etc. Asking for opiates at a consult is wild, and suggests drug-seeking behavior, regardless of the procedure in question. If the professional performing the procedure doesn't think it will be necessary, go with that. If they absolutely refuse if/when it is actually necessary, call your GP or another provider with whom you have a working relationship or go to an emergency room. A patient willing to bounce because they weren't guaranteed opiates before they were necessary is a massive red flag to the clinician.

No GP in the United States is going to Rx opioid painkillers in the immediate aftermath of a surgery performed by someone else—and rightly so.

It is reasonable to find out in advance whether you are having surgery performed by someone who will use the full range of pain mitigation that they are legally authorized to provide, or by someone who categorically rules some of the most powerful out in advance.

I can’t tell from OP’s post whether that is what they inquired about, therefore none of the rest of us know what scenario we are arguing about.

Good vibes to all undergoing surgery—and all in, or contemplating, recovery from substance use disorders.

I want a doctor to categorically rule out the most powerful narcotics in advance of procedures that don't require them. At most, I want them to say "if you encounter complications, call the 24-hour line and we'll take care of it." That's responsible. I don't want a pill-pusher (again), and I wish more people understood what they were risking taking these meds when they really don't have to. But some people can't even have that conversation without crashing out about meth for some reason.

So walk us through this “call the 24 hour hotline” that you reference. Let’s say I have a hysterectomy and as a single mom I have break through pain at 2am that your mega dose of Tylenol isn’t helping, what do I do?

Kid is sleeping like 6 year old should. Call a sitter at 2am so I can run to the ED or find some pharmacy that is open at 2am to fill a prescription. Be specific.

“Oh but you should have someone staying with you!” I’m sure is your next gripe. Really? You expect someone else to be running all over the city looking for a 24 hour pharmacy to fill a prescription? For something that is expected?

What if I’m alone? Call a friend? Wake up a neighbor? Get my 1st grade kid out of bed and take him to the ED with me to “seek” pain meds?

This is why women don’t get proper medical care! We are expected to just “deal with it”.

Thank you.

You aren't expected to just "deal with it." If you have pain way out of proportion to what should be expected, you should be re-evaluated by a medical provider (in person, as in ER) to make sure a serious complication isn't happening. Internal bleeding, etc., doesn't care if you have a 6 year old.

[Anonymous]

Tylenol isn’t even good for pain. It is mostly a fever reducer. What a stooge doctor.

[Anonymous]

My plan is always to have the strong drugs on hand in case I need them.

I simply don't have an addictive personality and don't like any loopy feelings.

They sent me home with oxy 25 years ago after a surgery; I took 1 then was done and just used the other pain meds they gave like prescription ibuprofen.

But I always get the prescriptions filled to have on hand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My plan is always to have the strong drugs on hand in case I need them.

I simply don't have an addictive personality and don't like any loopy feelings.

They sent me home with oxy 25 years ago after a surgery; I took 1 then was done and just used the other pain meds they gave like prescription ibuprofen.

But I always get the prescriptions filled to have on hand.

Same. My surgeons have always Rxed decent pains meds. I get them filled but usually don’t use them. Occasionally I have. I am not worried about an addiction. I am worried about being in pain after surgery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tylenol isn’t even good for pain. It is mostly a fever reducer. What a stooge doctor.

-a junkie

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a nurse, I've never worked with a surgeon or any physician for that matter, who only prescribes Tylenol for pain. What you need post-operatively depends on a lot of factors. This is a red flag in my opinion.

Yeah, like the actual level of pain, complications, etc. Asking for opiates at a consult is wild, and suggests drug-seeking behavior, regardless of the procedure in question. If the professional performing the procedure doesn't think it will be necessary, go with that. If they absolutely refuse if/when it is actually necessary, call your GP or another provider with whom you have a working relationship or go to an emergency room. A patient willing to bounce because they weren't guaranteed opiates before they were necessary is a massive red flag to the clinician.

No GP in the United States is going to Rx opioid painkillers in the immediate aftermath of a surgery performed by someone else—and rightly so.

It is reasonable to find out in advance whether you are having surgery performed by someone who will use the full range of pain mitigation that they are legally authorized to provide, or by someone who categorically rules some of the most powerful out in advance.

I can’t tell from OP’s post whether that is what they inquired about, therefore none of the rest of us know what scenario we are arguing about.

Good vibes to all undergoing surgery—and all in, or contemplating, recovery from substance use disorders.

I want a doctor to categorically rule out the most powerful narcotics in advance of procedures that don't require them. At most, I want them to say "if you encounter complications, call the 24-hour line and we'll take care of it." That's responsible. I don't want a pill-pusher (again), and I wish more people understood what they were risking taking these meds when they really don't have to. But some people can't even have that conversation without crashing out about meth for some reason.

So walk us through this “call the 24 hour hotline” that you reference. Let’s say I have a hysterectomy and as a single mom I have break through pain at 2am that your mega dose of Tylenol isn’t helping, what do I do?

Kid is sleeping like 6 year old should. Call a sitter at 2am so I can run to the ED or find some pharmacy that is open at 2am to fill a prescription. Be specific.

“Oh but you should have someone staying with you!” I’m sure is your next gripe. Really? You expect someone else to be running all over the city looking for a 24 hour pharmacy to fill a prescription? For something that is expected?

What if I’m alone? Call a friend? Wake up a neighbor? Get my 1st grade kid out of bed and take him to the ED with me to “seek” pain meds?

This is why women don’t get proper medical care! We are expected to just “deal with it”.

Thank you.

You aren't expected to just "deal with it." If you have pain way out of proportion to what should be expected, you should be re-evaluated by a medical provider (in person, as in ER) to make sure a serious complication isn't happening. Internal bleeding, etc., doesn't care if you have a 6 year old.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tylenol isn’t even good for pain. It is mostly a fever reducer. What a stooge doctor.

-a junkie

Not the PP, but lots of experience with Tylenol. It has never worked worth a damn on any pain I have ever had. A+ fever reduction.

Also not a “junkie”. (Very 70s terminology, by the way. I am in my 50s—you must be ancient.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a nurse, I've never worked with a surgeon or any physician for that matter, who only prescribes Tylenol for pain. What you need post-operatively depends on a lot of factors. This is a red flag in my opinion.

Yeah, like the actual level of pain, complications, etc. Asking for opiates at a consult is wild, and suggests drug-seeking behavior, regardless of the procedure in question. If the professional performing the procedure doesn't think it will be necessary, go with that. If they absolutely refuse if/when it is actually necessary, call your GP or another provider with whom you have a working relationship or go to an emergency room. A patient willing to bounce because they weren't guaranteed opiates before they were necessary is a massive red flag to the clinician.

No GP in the United States is going to Rx opioid painkillers in the immediate aftermath of a surgery performed by someone else—and rightly so.

It is reasonable to find out in advance whether you are having surgery performed by someone who will use the full range of pain mitigation that they are legally authorized to provide, or by someone who categorically rules some of the most powerful out in advance.

I can’t tell from OP’s post whether that is what they inquired about, therefore none of the rest of us know what scenario we are arguing about.

Good vibes to all undergoing surgery—and all in, or contemplating, recovery from substance use disorders.

I want a doctor to categorically rule out the most powerful narcotics in advance of procedures that don't require them. At most, I want them to say "if you encounter complications, call the 24-hour line and we'll take care of it." That's responsible. I don't want a pill-pusher (again), and I wish more people understood what they were risking taking these meds when they really don't have to. But some people can't even have that conversation without crashing out about meth for some reason.

So walk us through this “call the 24 hour hotline” that you reference. Let’s say I have a hysterectomy and as a single mom I have break through pain at 2am that your mega dose of Tylenol isn’t helping, what do I do?

Kid is sleeping like 6 year old should. Call a sitter at 2am so I can run to the ED or find some pharmacy that is open at 2am to fill a prescription. Be specific.

“Oh but you should have someone staying with you!” I’m sure is your next gripe. Really? You expect someone else to be running all over the city looking for a 24 hour pharmacy to fill a prescription? For something that is expected?

What if I’m alone? Call a friend? Wake up a neighbor? Get my 1st grade kid out of bed and take him to the ED with me to “seek” pain meds?

This is why women don’t get proper medical care! We are expected to just “deal with it”.

Thank you.

You aren't expected to just "deal with it." If you have pain way out of proportion to what should be expected, you should be re-evaluated by a medical provider (in person, as in ER) to make sure a serious complication isn't happening. Internal bleeding, etc., doesn't care if you have a 6 year old.

Post operative pain is expected. Hence the pills. You're creating a straw man.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tylenol isn’t even good for pain. It is mostly a fever reducer. What a stooge doctor.

-a junkie

I mean, the total amount of pain killers I have taken in my lifetime is probably under 40 200 mg Advil and that is about it. I have maybe 10 drinks a year. I am not exactly going crazy over here with substances.

But I also know that Tylenol doesn’t really work on pain. And a doctor like that is a stooge. Find someone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a nurse, I've never worked with a surgeon or any physician for that matter, who only prescribes Tylenol for pain. What you need post-operatively depends on a lot of factors. This is a red flag in my opinion.

Yeah, like the actual level of pain, complications, etc. Asking for opiates at a consult is wild, and suggests drug-seeking behavior, regardless of the procedure in question. If the professional performing the procedure doesn't think it will be necessary, go with that. If they absolutely refuse if/when it is actually necessary, call your GP or another provider with whom you have a working relationship or go to an emergency room. A patient willing to bounce because they weren't guaranteed opiates before they were necessary is a massive red flag to the clinician.

No GP in the United States is going to Rx opioid painkillers in the immediate aftermath of a surgery performed by someone else—and rightly so.

It is reasonable to find out in advance whether you are having surgery performed by someone who will use the full range of pain mitigation that they are legally authorized to provide, or by someone who categorically rules some of the most powerful out in advance.

I can’t tell from OP’s post whether that is what they inquired about, therefore none of the rest of us know what scenario we are arguing about.

Good vibes to all undergoing surgery—and all in, or contemplating, recovery from substance use disorders.

I want a doctor to categorically rule out the most powerful narcotics in advance of procedures that don't require them. At most, I want them to say "if you encounter complications, call the 24-hour line and we'll take care of it." That's responsible. I don't want a pill-pusher (again), and I wish more people understood what they were risking taking these meds when they really don't have to. But some people can't even have that conversation without crashing out about meth for some reason.

So walk us through this “call the 24 hour hotline” that you reference. Let’s say I have a hysterectomy and as a single mom I have break through pain at 2am that your mega dose of Tylenol isn’t helping, what do I do?

Kid is sleeping like 6 year old should. Call a sitter at 2am so I can run to the ED or find some pharmacy that is open at 2am to fill a prescription. Be specific.

“Oh but you should have someone staying with you!” I’m sure is your next gripe. Really? You expect someone else to be running all over the city looking for a 24 hour pharmacy to fill a prescription? For something that is expected?

What if I’m alone? Call a friend? Wake up a neighbor? Get my 1st grade kid out of bed and take him to the ED with me to “seek” pain meds?

This is why women don’t get proper medical care! We are expected to just “deal with it”.

Thank you.

You aren't expected to just "deal with it." If you have pain way out of proportion to what should be expected, you should be re-evaluated by a medical provider (in person, as in ER) to make sure a serious complication isn't happening. Internal bleeding, etc., doesn't care if you have a 6 year old.

This is going to blow your mind, but I know my body. Crazy, I know. In the past, when I had surgery, I experienced excruciating pain and could not sleep, couldn't eat, and was shaking so bad, which, newsflash, isn't great for the healing process.

So I am being my own advocate since I know my body best.

Don't make your addiction issues my problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My plan is always to have the strong drugs on hand in case I need them.

I simply don't have an addictive personality and don't like any loopy feelings.

They sent me home with oxy 25 years ago after a surgery; I took 1 then was done and just used the other pain meds they gave like prescription ibuprofen.

But I always get the prescriptions filled to have on hand.

But according to all the pain purists here, you are a drug-seeking junkie who should be ashamed of yourself for even having one oxy. You are the reason people are dying of fentanyl overdoses in the street. Where is your humanity?