If you’re undergoing a major surgery like shoulder replacement or are having your rotator cuff surgically repaired, there’s a decent chance that you will be prescribed some painkillers to help with the discomfort in the immediate aftermath of the procedure. These operations take a significant toll on your body, and when the anesthesia wears off, you’re going to feel it. Prescription pain medications help to block some of this pain and make it easier for patients to participate in crucial aspects of their recovery, like physical therapy, but they also have the potential for abuse or dependence. In today’s blog, we’re going to share some tips for safely taping off your prescription medication as you progress through your recovery period.
Safely Weaning Off Painkillers After Surgery
It’s important to remember that the following is just general advice, and you should follow the specific recommendations of your doctor and your care team because your tapering plan will be designed around your specific needs, goals and dosage. With that said, we’re going to share some tips that your doctor will likely touch on as they try to help you safely taper off the medication.
- Do It Slowly – While you may want to quit alcohol or cigarettes cold turkey, that may not be advised based on your pain medication. Many surgeons will prescribe a lower dosage as you start to taper off your medications or ask you to start going longer between doses. A nice gradual taper makes it less likely that you’ll run into issues as you work to wean off your medication.
- Engage Your Brain – Find ways to keep your brain engaged during the course of your recovery. When your brain is focused on something else, it’s not thinking about pain, and that can make your recovery a bit easier. Stay engaged with books, television shows, puzzles, conversations with family or anything else that keeps your mind engaged elsewhere.
- Social Support – Speaking of talking with family, it’s helpful to have a support network in place as you work to continue your recovery while you wean off opioids. Let your spouse in on your plans for tampering off your medication, or find ways to stay connected with those who can make life easier when you’re working hard to taper your medication. The presence of a strong social support system can greatly reduce your risk of dependence or withdrawal-related issues.
- Healthy Diet – It’s important to have a healthy diet at all times during your recovery after surgery, but that’s especially true as you taper off your painkillers. If you’re eating a lot of junk food or you’re not staying hydrated, you may find that you have some localized inflammation or less-than-ideal circulation, both of which can end up amplifying your discomfort, which is already compounded by the fact that you’re tapering off your pain medication. Consume a healthy diet and drink plenty of water during your tapering period, so long as these habits are consistent with what is recommended by your care team.
- Stay Active – It will also be helpful to find a delicate balance when it comes to activity. Staying active during your recovery can help control pain symptoms and improve overall strength and function in the recovering area, but pushing yourself too hard can lead to increased discomfort, which isn’t ideal when tapering off medication. Talk with your surgeon about appropriate physical activities to pursue during your recovery period, and stay as active as you can to help fuel your recovery.
- Chart It – Many patients find it helpful to keep a chart of their medication regimen. This ensures that they know exactly how they are tapering off their medication or working to space out doses correctly. There are many medication charts available online, or ask your doctor for a chart that you can fill out as you start weaning off your medication.
Finally, if you’re struggling with any aspect of the tapering process, be it mentally or physically, be sure to reach out to your care team and let them know. We can provide some tips or adjust your tapering program as needed so that you can continue to safely work towards your goal of eliminating painkillers from your recovery plan.
We want to ensure you have the best surgery and recovery possible, whether that’s providing advice or performing the corrective procedure. For more information on how we can help with your shoulder issue, connect with Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
