Got my meds for going to Germany

[treefrog]

My PM rocks! She is so supportive and helpful. I went to see her this morning, and got Rx's for meds I might need for my trip to Germany and surgery.

Opana-ER (oxymorphone - double what I am currently taking - I can take it as soon as I stop the pump at the hospital)
Oxycodone (percocet - enough to take 4/day for a month)
Ativan/Lorazepam (benzodiazepine - muscle relaxer, sedative and anti-anxiety)
Amitriptyline (sleep aid, and antidepressant)
Zofran (for nausea)
Lidoderm patches (to put on either side of the incision)

She said none of these meds will react with each other, and if I took them all at the same time, about the only thing that would probably happen is that I would sleep for a day.

And when I asked about extra-strength stool softener, she recommended Miralax. I will buy some when I pick up all the Rx's after work.

She wants to see me the week I get back, she said sooner if I was having problems. So, I made an appointment. I didn't want to count on being able to get one if I waited to call when I got back.

Oh, and after all the stress of the past few days, I think I will be taking an amitriptyline tonight. I hope I can finally get some restful sleep.



**I wasn't sure if this post should go here, or in the Foreign Travel section. If you think it should go there, please feel free to move it Justin.

[Justin]

Cathy, I'm so glad you have a support PM doc! It sounds like you are ready for anything that might come your way.

Your PM brings up a very good point of seeing you the week you get back in town. This is a great idea, so you can address any pain issues / concerns immediately upon your return.

BTW Miralax is very good and it's recommended by most docs.

PS I think you're right...this is probably better in the International Travel subforum, so members can find it easier.

[treefrog]

Thanks for moving it Justin. I had forgotten that there was a post in this sub-forum already about medication after surgery. And when I was trying to figure out where to put it, my mind was thinking this might have just been for information about surgery internationally, and not specifically "my plans". But after I saw that other post, I thought mine should probably have been over here too.

And yes, my PM is wonderful. I made my appointment to see her, the Friday after I return (I come back on a Saturday). But if I need to see her sooner, I won't hesitate to call.

Even my GP doc, said he would be happy to order whatever x-rays needed to be taken when I get back. And for me to make sure to ask Dr. Bertagnoli when they should be done, before I leave Germany. But, I have a feeling my PM will also be willing to order the x-rays (and she is with an orthopaedic office, so I might let her do it).

I do need to ask Dr. B. if there is a doctor near me, that he could refer me to, in case I need orthopaedic help here at home. The ortho surgeon I talked to, said he wouldn't feel comfortable with follow-up care on another surgeon's patient. I think he was just pissed I wouldn't let him do a hybrid surgery on me.

[Justin]

I do need to ask Dr. B. if there is a doctor near me, that he could refer me to, in case I need orthopaedic help here at home. The ortho surgeon I talked to, said he wouldn't feel comfortable with follow-up care on another surgeon's patient. I think he was just pissed I wouldn't let him do a hybrid surgery on me.

Cathy, Dr. Bertagnoli knows so many spine surgeons in the US and so many refer patients to him that I know he'll have a colleague close to you that he can recommend.