Total Knee PAIN?

Question

I am in my 40's. 4 years ago I had to endure a Total Knee Replacement. Several years ago I was hit by a car and it impacted my knee leading slowly but surely to the first TKR breaking apart. I have another TKR surgery scheduled for a new TKR next month. In the meantime, I am in so much pain I can't tolerate it. My DR understands this. We have ordered a walker. He is getting me in to operate ASAP. The problem: He prescribes pain pills becaue and I can't take anit-inflamatories (aleve,etc). When I was in his office a week and a half ago he prescribed me pain pills to be taken even 3 hours as needed. I did. I needed them. I'm not a pill popper, I am in good health. But I just had to take as prescribed and now I am out. The pain is intorlerable. The bone actually broke off inside my knee. Should I ask for another refill so soon or will he get mad? I don't know what to do without them and I have no more. He has been my DR for 5 years. Thanks.

Answer 1

Why would he get mad if you took them according to the prescription? Was there a sticker on the bottle? Maybe he already scheduled in the refills so you can just call the pharamacy and go pick them up. If not, it's possible that this one was a one-timer because of addiction risk. In that case, go back and ask for a new painkiller to tide you over til your surgery. Good luck. My knees have finally given out on me and the pain is very distracting sometimes.

Answer 2

Since he has been your Dr. for 5 years, I'm sure he knows you and that you are all that you've described: not a pill popper, in good health, in PAIN (most importantly) and have a serious problem with your knee. Given all that, I'm certain your Dr. will understand and prescribe more medication, perhaps even something that will help control the pain better.

Try calling (if you can't get in to see him ASAP, that is) and explaining the amount of pain you're in. He knows the situation and that you aren't an attention or pill seeker. If the pills he prescribed didn't work as well as you hoped, ask if there's something else he can give you instead of or in addition to. Sometimes, another, not as strong of a medication can help with that bit of breakthrough pain after taking the heavy pain killer.

Please, don't worry. You said it yourself, your doctor knows you, you're in good health otherwise, and this IS a legitimate problem. He won't be mad and I'm sure he'll be more than happy to help alleviate your pain.

Take care!

Answer 3

Check the label on the bottle first and see if there are refills available. If there are, simply call the pharmacy and order the refill. If you are in pain, your doc knows this...and should be getting you into surgery sooner rather than later...good luck to you.

Answer 4

What are you afraid of????? Only a pill popper who is addicted is afraid to call their doctor for more medication.......
The doctors secretaries chart every call, every prescription, every so call lost prescription, the different number of pharmacies that the patients use for their refills......