What pain meds work well for Gastric bypass patients?

@aprilarlady, I had RnY gastric bypass surgery 7/8/14, with a weight loss of 85 pounds currently. Because of this I too am unable to take NSAIDS. I started taking Hydrocodone/acetaminophen 5/325 mg over a year ago to relieve my pain from herniated disks at L5-S1 and L4, as well as a compression fracture at C7 and stenosis, degenerative disk disease, and arthritis. The Hydrocodone did not work for me. Last summer, I began seeing a pain doctor who took me off the Hydrocodone and put me on Tramadol/acetaminophen 30/325 (as I remember). That was working great, still with pain, but tolerable.

Then I injured my back additionally through traveling and lugging my suitcases back and forth weekly between my home and a job site. I had sudden acute pain that ended p with me in a wheelchair after several days of trying massage, chiropractic and acupuncture (my first time ever). I then had an MRI that showed the problems I described at the beginning of this post. My pain doctor added Baclofen 10 mg and changed my Tramadol to 50 mg without the acetaminophen. He said I could add acetaminophen for breakthrough pain as needed. This has been working great for me. I had outpatient spinal surgery on my L5-S1 on 12/22/16. I have had complete relief from the pain on my left side since then. But the pain on my right side continued. My pain doctor added Gabapentin to my medications. 300 mg twice a day.

My spine surgeon put me on Physical Therapy in late February, with both our goals to improve my core muscles and avoid surgery on my L4, which is completely out of alignment with my spine. The PT seemed to be working until my 4th session, after which I was in excruciating pain the following day and for several days after. Then suddenly it felt much better. I waited 2 weeks before I had another PT session and after that very gentle session, again I had excruciating pain and ended up in bed for 5 days only walking to the bathroom, icing and changing position about every 30 to 45 minutes. That was 2 weeks ago and I am still in pain. My pain doctor then tried Hydrocodone again when I requested it. But when I had used it previously, I took it with the Tramadol and I had good pain relief. He told me I should never take the 2 medications together. On only the Hydrocodone I had very little relief and after 3 days, I began noticing withdrawal symptoms from stopping the Tramadol suddenly. I stopped taking the Hydrocodone and went back to the Tramadol.

I am doing ok currently, but my pain level is a constant 7. I can't do much exercise like walking around more than half a block (yesterday), which was very hard to do. This morning I am very tired from my activities yesterday. I had bought tickets, 2 months ago, to take my granddaughter to see "An American in Paris," live at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. I was determined to go if at all possible. She drove and was helpful for me in walking. But I'm paying for my fun today. I'm also participating in a medical research study for Alzheimers at the University of California at Irvine. Today I am having a PET scan as part of the study. Thankfully, they are sending a cab to pick me up and bring me back. It will be another active day for me.

So, I can recommend Tramadol and Baclofen as having been very helpful for my pain. I would not take Gabapentin, and i have asked my doctor to withdraw me from it. I wish you luck in your search for pain relief. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Gail B

I have severe lower back pain and have been told for almost 13 years you will need a fusion and wait as long as possible your to young. I have been through everything possible to try and reduce my pain with no success. Every spine doctor or surgery even Mayo Clinic agreed. I am highly allergic to all NSAIDs (with bypass we should avoid) I have tried every pain med out there and nothing provides relief. And yes even chiropractors, yoga, all natural/healthy lifestyle, etc.

I am scheduling the fusion finally after so many years of suffering. FYI L3-4 L4-5
My question “plea for help” has anyone found something that will help with control the pain? Certain med, combination of meds, way it is administered. TIA

I am 19 years out gastric bypass
I only take Tylenol arthritis pain reliever
I use a pain patch for hip pain
There might be other meds that are not nsaids
Cortisone shots

I have severe lower back pain and have been told for almost 13 years you will need a fusion and wait as long as possible your to young. I have been through everything possible to try and reduce my pain with no success. Every spine doctor or surgery even Mayo Clinic agreed. I am highly allergic to all NSAIDs (with bypass we should avoid) I have tried every pain med out there and nothing provides relief. And yes even chiropractors, yoga, all natural/healthy lifestyle, etc.

I am scheduling the fusion finally after so many years of suffering. FYI L3-4 L4-5
My question “plea for help” has anyone found something that will help with control the pain? Certain med, combination of meds, way it is administered. TIA

@kduran23

I understand some of what you've been going through as I had a RnY in July, 2014. I'm sorry to hear you've had such a bad time with your surgery! I have had a couple of issues over the years with 1 ulcer and chronic gastritis. However, overall I have had great success with it. I lost 85 pounds in 9 months and have stayed at that weight loss until this winter. I have gained 6 pounds recently, but I'm not worried as I just need to go back to the strict original diet to get back down.

One thing I know is that picking the right surgeon is the most important part of the surgery. It sounds as if you may have had a surgeon who messed up on your original surgery, followed by a second bad surgery. I have a few questions for you that may help us understand what's going on with you now.
1. Did you go thru a 6 month pre - surgery education program?
2. Did your surgery office provide you with an eating plan for post - surgery?
3. Did you see your surgeon during your fist 6 months at least 3 times?
4. Were you told to take vitamins daily and what kind of vitamins to take?
5. Did you follow the directions you were given?
6. What have you been told is your current problem/diagnosis?
7. How old are you? (I'm 69)
Answers to the questions will be helpful to see where you are right now, not to judge anything you have or haven't done. Thank you for sharing your difficulties with your sugery and pain levels with us. I have a feeling you will be helping me as well as yourself. I too have been a victim of chronic pain as you may read on this site. Mayo Connect has been incredibly helpful for me.

Warm regards, Gailb

I tested positive yesterday, wondering if I can take ibuprofen intermittently with acetaminophen for fever control?