Struggling with pain post op but need to exercise

[Littlemisssavvy]

Really struggling, day 9 post Op (joint replacement). To recover fully, you need to achieve a certain level of movement and flexibility within the first 2 weeks. I am keen to do everything to try and achieve this.

The challenge is the level of pain, it’s 24/7, struggling to sleep, moving and exercises are excruciating - it’s just relentless. The pain meds given are a) paracetamol - doesn’t do anything. B) Ibuprofen - helps the pain BUT upsets my stomach really badly and c) Dihydrocodeine - makes the biggest difference but making me physically sick and nauseous which feels like a battle on another front.

I am trying to make sure I eat before taking B or C, I have got some pro-biotics, i am taking antacids…the stomach/sick problem is off the scale and making me feel really horrible. I had antibiotics at the end of last year for a chest infection which I suspect has made my stomach sensitive.

Pharmacist been helpful and given a different type of gastro-friendly Ibuprofen but at no stage can I get rid of pain, and at least half of the time, its unbearable with ice the only thing giving any relief.

anybody been through anything similar and have any other ideas - either on improving the stomach resilience or alternative ways of managing pain?

Have you tried taking a PPI such as omeprazole to protect your stomach?

You've posted this in AIBU so you would probably get replies if it was moved.
See if you can be prescribed anti sickness meds so that you can keep the codeine down.
Also I was prescribed omeprazole to take each morning whilst on ibuprofen to line the stomach and that works. If you're in Uk omeprazole based meds can be bought across counter or in supermarkets under names like Guardium.

You need to be able to manage the pain in order to do the exercises. Can the hospital help?

That's not a helpful selection of meds.

If you take the paracetamol at the same time as the codeine it will help.

Codeine makes a lot of people nauseous. Ask for an anti emetic.

If you are taking ibuprofen take it with a meal to
Minimise stomach issues and you can also be prescribed omeprazole to help protect your stomach.

Hassle your GP

Do you usually have such a sensitive stomach because these are extreme reactions to such basic meds? I agree with previous about omeprazole being fantastic and take it in combination with an anti sickness drug and strong probiotics (holland and barret do 50billion ones) what kind of surgery/exercises are you doing? It sounds like you're trying to do too much. Can you afford private physio? Something like hydrotherapy might be better.

Can you swim? Is your surgery cut properly healed? If so, you might find the water and being non-weight bearing a better way to exercise?

Yes I have this, its not enough

I have never had such an extreme reaction before and normally omeraprazole would be enough (which I have) but it’s really been a struggle. Trying to do the Ibuprofen with food. I think I will try GP tomorrow…..

I still have the stitches and dressing on so not able to do swimming yet but was thinking this could be good. Back at hospital on Friday to get stitches out, can also get help with the pain meds hopefully.

I have a private physio who is really helping me but she feels we really need to get the pain under control.