Pain medication prior to surgery

[Aerial]

Hello All-  I am a new member awaiting hip resurfacing (my appointment with Dr. Gross is in early September).  I really have to wait until December for surgery due to my job.  I am a Department Chair at a university and winter break is a logical time to do it.  At this point I am on naproxin twice a day and have been for the past year.  I am not one to want to take a lot of medication but my situation has gotten very painful as of late.  Is there any medication others have been prescribed prior to surgery that they have found helpful to relieve pain?  I don't want anything that is too strong or addicting, of course.  Nor would I want something that is mind altering. I have to do a lot of walking to get around campus and often hills and stairs.  I also stand a lot while teaching.  I hate that simple things cause so much pain.  Thank you.

[littleb]

I was on Vicodin, which for me had the opposite effect that most pain meds have. If got me wired so with that effect and reduction in pain I was able to work. Prior to surgery I wan't allowed any aspirin based meds or any meds or foods that cause increased bleeding.

Taken as scripted there really isn't a risk of getting addicted unless you have had problems with addiction in the past. Once your pain is gone you won't think about pain meds anymore.

[Anniee]

I have been on Mobic (Meloxicam) for about the last 1 1/2 years.  It works well for me - better than any of the over the counter ones, and better than Celebrex.  It is not mind altering in any way, but you do need a prescription.  I'm sure if you call or e-mail Nancy at Dr. Gross's office, they will call you in a prescription.  I cannot take Vicodin - it makes me very tired and nauseous.

[Aerial]

I was prescribed Tramadol so I am giving that a try.  I got this prescription from my original orthopedist since I have yet to see Dr. Gross.  He said since my condition has gotten so bad the naproxin likely wouldn't do much anymore.