Huge flare up and dr says no NSAIDs. I've been taking Tramadol and LorTab every 4 hours and have an ice pack clutched to my chest 24/7. It's just getting harder to breathe and I can find no way to get comfortable. I'm really struggling to get in my fluids because 1-it hurts to swallow 2- my pain meds are making me nauseous. Advice? Alternate treatments? Anyone relate?

I can't offer you any help whatsoever but I do hope you feel better soon.

Maybe go back to the hospital to get IV pain meds and fluids.

Would a heating pad help instead of the ice?

Try sublingual pain meds.... You put the table under your tongue an it is disolved.

Why won't your doc give you Celebrex? That is an approved post-op NSAID.

What's a flare?

When your body attack & inflames a body part. Not fun and it hurts. This particular one is in the upper chest area- putting inflammation on rib joints & collar bones. It can be really painful. Feels like a horse is stepping on you.

On my way back to the ER. I'm super nauseous and vomitting now. Can't rest, can't breathe, can't keep fluids in.

I hope everything goes ok..prayers your way

I had this Pre-op and the best I could do was take lortab and sleep it off... Again was pre-op so no idea what I would do if this happened now, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this- it's a terrible, scary feeling.

Not what it is, turned out to be leak.

Oh no - please keep us in the loop. Hoping you are on your way to feeling better and recover soon.