Hey Y'all - I have my consultation on August 6th and have a few questions before. Has anyone had experience with back injuries which require me to take pain medicine? And because I take medicine I have gastrointestinal problems. I have GERD, Gastroparesis, and Constipation and take different meds for each issue. I was wondering if any had any experience with any of these prescription and if so, how did it affect you?

TIA

Lauren

I think you're going to have to discuss these all with your surgeon. The surgery can cause a lot of constipation. Some pain meds can be taken after surgery, but NSAIDS usually cannot, especially with bypass. If you have GERD, you don't want to get the sleeve, because that can make it worse. I think there are a lot of issues there and probably you're going to want the doctors who treat you for these issues now to discuss your case with the surgeon, and maybe get a second opinion from a second surgeon.

Is there any way you can move towards using PT and other forms of treatment for your back injuries, rather than medications? Just to simplify things.

Good luck!

2 minutes ago, lizonaplane said:

I think you're going to have to discuss these all with your surgeon. The surgery can cause a lot of constipation. Some pain meds can be taken after surgery, but NSAIDS usually cannot, especially with bypass. If you have GERD, you don't want to get the sleeve, because that can make it worse. I think there are a lot of issues there and probably you're going to want the doctors who treat you for these issues now to discuss your case with the surgeon, and maybe get a second opinion from a second surgeon.

Is there any way you can move towards using PT and other forms of treatment for your back injuries, rather than medications? Just to simplify things.

Good luck!

Fortunately none of my meds contain NSAIDS. After researching, I was leaning towards the Bypass due to my GERD. I was going to have my gastroenterologist speak with my surgeon if he needed to. And unfortunately I can't move towards PT or other forms of treatment. I do periodically get procedures done on my spine but I need the pain meds and nerve meds on a daily basis.

I know there is a lot to cover with my surgeon, I was just curious if anyone had previous experience with these things

I do. Very similar story actually, I’m just a month ahead.

i had my consult on July 6, and unfortunately, for me, it was some tough love. I’ve been on heavy doses of percocet since last October for spine problems and I had a laminotomy and discectomy at the end of March. I still have a ton of pain, plus, I still have radiculopathy on the right. I’ve been tapering my pain meds as much as possible, but when I saw the surgeon, he said, no more. Opioids can slow down your intestines, so cant take those.

honestly, I just try to tell myself how much better the pain will be when the weight is gone.

18 hours ago, Tinyhounds said:

I do. Very similar story actually, I’m just a month ahead.

i had my consult on July 6, and unfortunately, for me, it was some tough love. I’ve been on heavy doses of percocet since last October for spine problems and I had a laminotomy and discectomy at the end of March. I still have a ton of pain, plus, I still have radiculopathy on the right. I’ve been tapering my pain meds as much as possible, but when I saw the surgeon, he said, no more. Opioids can slow down your intestines, so cant take those.

honestly, I just try to tell myself how much better the pain will be when the weight is gone.

UGH that will be tough. I have had 3 cervical surgeries all with fusions. I also have stenosis of the spine in several areas.

53 minutes ago, Lem32 said:

UGH that will be tough. I have had 3 cervical surgeries all with fusions. I also have stenosis of the spine in several areas.

53 minutes ago, Lem32 said:

UGH that will be tough. I have had 3 cervical surgeries all with fusions. I also have stenosis of the spine in several areas.

Oh man... it is gonna be hard. I have stenosis but only at l4-l5 and l5-s1, and I haven’t had any fusions. And I’m really struggling tonight. I have been using a CBD balm when I go sleep at night. It helps a little. I don't have a tub anymore, but when I did, CBD bath bombs were AMAZING for helping my pain and helping me get to sleep. I’m here if you ever wanna chat.

I take one Norco a day (10/325) for chronic pain and I continued after my sleeve surgery. I take Senna when I get constipated. You and your doctor will have to figure out what's best for you, since we're all different. Best wishes!