Pain Killers Following A Knee Operation

[granny grump]

I'm a bit worried about my friend who had a knee op two weeks ago she is still in pain.The doctor & nurse have told her to take paracetamol & ibuprofen which she says don't touch the pain so she is taking a codeine tablet at night - although she says 'I know I shouldn't' I am sure that I have read somewhere that you shouldn't mix these tablets. She is quite stubborn and despite what the doctor says she is taking them. She also says that she is not sleeping - and then in another breath says she has a couple of hours and then just catnaps. Its no good saying to her that that this is still sleeping even though it is not a full 8 hours - but she has never slept well. The Dr gave her some mild sleeping tablets but as they didn't give her more than a couple of hours she thinks that she has a placebo ! It is hard work helping her and if I wasn't so worried I think I'd laugh I would appreciate any thoughts from others who have been in a similar situation

[237SJ]

You can alternate NSAIDS (Ipuprofen) with Paracetamol. Is her codeine tablet a stand alone tablet (not mixed with Paracetamol)?

[bednobs]

i had a knee replacement and 2 weeks later i was taking morphine. All those tabs are fine together (as lon as the codeine is just codeine as sj says)

[granny grump]

She takes ibuprofen and paracetamol together through the day and a codeine at night

[granny grump]

Thank you bedknobs and 237SJ that does put my mind a rest a little

[Sqad]

Bednobs and 237SJ have given informed and correct advice.
The prime consideration of a healthcare worker is to that of relief of pain, however that may be achieved.

[granny grump]

Thank you squad - she also 'mentioned' today that she is taking lactulose; movicol and fybogel and also throws in a few prunes for good measure. :-( She went to the physio today and he is very happy with her progress but told her that she is too impatient -I could have told her that but I don't have any qualifications ha ha. She has to go for a rigid cystoscopy on Friday She has been through the mill bless her

[Sqad]

Thanks for the update granny...that "lot" should keep her moving ;-)

[granny grump]

Ha ha

[nailit]

My mum also had a knee replacement about 6 weeks ago. Unfortunately she had to stop the pain relief medication she was on as she has kidney failure and it was affecting her kidney count. Shes now on morphine and zopiclone for sleep but is still in a lot of pain.
Dunno what the answer is....