svengandhi
Well-Known Member
My H is in desperate need of a knee replacement. Today, he canceled his appointment with the surgeon for the third time. He finally confessed to me that he is terrified of having the surgery because he is afraid of taking pain medications. His dad was an alcoholic, his mom was addicted to "mother's little helpers" in the 60's and still takes tylenol codeine like tic tacs, his sister is multiply substance abusive. His mom's brother became addicted to pain pills after knee replacement surgery, a cousin on his dad's side was a heroin addict and was on methadone for 35 years till she died in her early 60's. H doesn't take pain medications. I don't really understand it, but I know addiction can be familial. I've had babies and surgery and took oxycodone, percocet, darvon, etc. with no issues but H was almost in tears at the mere thought of a Tylenol 3. I accept that his fear is rational to him and that it is preventing him from life improving surgery.
My question is - is knee replacement possible without opiates for pain relief? H can barely walk and he is in excruciating pain much of the time. Since he won't take pain medications, he spends much of his time on the couch (he works from home as an attorney). I truly believe that his quality of life would greatly improve if he had the surgery.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
My question is - is knee replacement possible without opiates for pain relief? H can barely walk and he is in excruciating pain much of the time. Since he won't take pain medications, he spends much of his time on the couch (he works from home as an attorney). I truly believe that his quality of life would greatly improve if he had the surgery.
Thanks for any help you can offer.