Pain killers

Hi there!
I am scheduled for hip surgery soon. I had a PM put in 2 months ago and all is fine, except the hip. I also have rheumatoid arthritis and am currently off meds because of surgery coming up, but in some pretty good pain. One of my Drs. prescribed 7.5 hydrocodone/Acetaminophen for pain 3 times a day. Upon getting home and reading the label noticed some of the side effects are arrhythmia and slow heart rate, not to mention difficulty breathing. Is this safe to take or should I just wait it out? My doctor knows all about the pacemaker, but is a rheumatologist. My cardio Dr. is gone for the day, so can't call and ask till tomorrow.

I don't want to be paranoid, but my luck hasn't been so great lately. Any advice, suggestions, or thoughts welcome!

5 Comments

I had no problems

by denise61 - 2009-08-25 07:08:48

I have had my pacemaker for 3 years and have been on the same pain pills when I had a kidney stone and didnt have any problems. I didnt have any side effects but I am NOT a Dr. just my opinion.

Do you have a nurse help line through a hospital near you? I use that all the time for questions like this.

Good luck with the hip surgery will be sending you happy thoughts.

Denise

pharmacist

by Tracey_E - 2009-08-25 08:08:10

I would ask your pharmacist. They know the meds better than the doctors.

Slow hr isn't an issue when you have a pm, the pm won't let it happen. I would probably wait to take it until I could confirm with your cardio or pharmacist. Do you have a 24 hr pharmacy you can call tonight?

Pain Meds.

by The Peddler - 2009-08-25 09:08:31

I've had a pacemaker for about a years and have had hydrocodone prescribed on three different occasions for surgeries. Like Tracey said a low heart rate is not a concern when you have a pacemaker. One time I did have an irregular heart rate while taking the hydrocodone, but it was not serious.

I say take the med and don't worry abut side effects that may involve the heart. In fact getting pain relief may benefit your heart more than the possible side effect as pain frequently causes an increase in blood pressure which can be detrimental to the heart.

I don't like to take hydrocodone because it makes me feel like I'm on a cheap drunk. I don't have a hangover, but I just don't like the woozy feeling that goes with it.

The Peddler

Side effects

by ElectricFrank - 2009-08-25 11:08:47

Most of these side effects appear after extended use. If you need the med to be comfortable tonight I would go ahead and take it.

If you have never taken some of the more potent pain meds be aware that people react differently to them. Back in 1984 when I was waiting for back surgery I tried one of the codeine based ones. For me it didn't affect the pain much, but had the effect The Peddler mentioned. So I went from having pain to still having pain and being confused. I've never used any since.

best wishes on the hip surgery.

frank

Thank you

by Sami Jo - 2009-08-26 05:08:27

Thanks for all of your advice/suggestions everyone. I love this site because of all the info and quick responses. Decided to wait it out, gave blood today and didn't want to be double dizzy... Talked to Cardio Dr. and he oked it if absolutely nessesary. If it gets worse will give it a try on the weekend. Took tramadol for a week in July and didn't like the side effects. Can't be a zombie anymore...been down that road bc pm. I will let them figure it out in the hospital in 2 weeks under their watchful eye. Let them do their job, I am a good case for them to figure out. Much thanks and have a wonderful day.

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I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.