*Stay on top of your pain for the first 48 hours. Set your alarm throughout the day and night to keep on schedule. It can take 6-8 hours to get your pain under control if you get behind.
*Your goal is to be off taking narcotic medications by 3 weeks post operatively.
*Multiple studies show improved outcomes in patients who take less narcotics.
*It is important to take all non-narcotic pain medication prior to taking Tramadol or Oxycodone
*Please take an over the counter stool softener while taking narcotic pain medication.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500mg:
This is an analgesic medication for pain relief. Take two tablets every six hours on a scheduled basis, not as needed. Do not take more than 4000mg a day.
Celebrex 200mg or Mobic 15mg: (either/or not both)
These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for relief of moderate pain and swelling. Discontinue all other anti-inflammatories. Take these medications scheduled, not as needed.
Celebrex 200mg: Take one tablet twice a day on a scheduled basis for 30 days.
Mobic 15mg: Take one tablet once a day for 30 days. You can take Mobic if you have a sulfa allergy or insurance doesn’t cover Celebrex.
Lyrica (Pregablin) 75mg:
This is a nerve medicine that has been shown to decrease narcotic requirements. Take one tablet at bedtime. It can cause drowsiness. This medicine is sometimes not covered by insurance or is too pricey. If this is the case, you can leave this prescription unfilled.
Tramadol 50mg:
This is a mild opioid pain medication.
This should be taken after Tylenol and Celebrex/Mobic but before oxycodone.
Take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed for moderate to severe pain.
The goal is to discontinue this medication by 2-4 weeks post operatively.
Oxycodone 5mg:
This is an opioid pain medication for severe pain after surgery.
Take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for severe pain.
The goal is to discontinue this medication by 2 weeks after surgery.
Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) 10mg:
This is a muscle relaxer used to treat muscle pain.
Take one tablet three times a day as needed for pain.
Pantoprazole 20mg:
Take one tablet daily while taking Aspirin and Celebrex/Mobic
You may return to work when your orthopedic surgeon clears you. Follow up with Dr. Hamilton in 3 weeks for a wound check as previously scheduled.