* 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 medication by 2 weeks post operatively.
*Multiple studies show improved outcomes in patient’s who take less narcotics.
**It is important to take all non-narcotic pain medication prior to taking tramadol or oxycodone
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500 mg:
- 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 4000 mg a day
Celebrex 200 mg or Mobic 15 mg:
- 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 200 mg: Take one tablet twice a day on a scheduled basis for 14 days
- You can take Mobic if you have a sulfa allergy or insurance doesn’t cover Celebrex
- Mobic 15 mg: Take one tablet once a day for 28 days
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 50 mg:
- 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 5 mg:
- 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) 10 mg:
- This is a muscle relaxer used to treat muscle pain.
- Take one tablet three times a day as needed for pain.
Pepcid (Famotidine) 20 mg:
- Take one tablet daily while taking Aspirin and Celebrex/Mobic
Docusate Sodium 100 mg:
- This is a stool softener to use to prevent constipation.
- Take one tablet twice a day as needed for constipation
You may return to work when your orthopedic surgeon clears you. Follow up with Dr. Carpenter in 2 weeks for a wound check as previously scheduled.
