Codeine intolerant; advice for pain meds?

Hi LizardyOne welcome to the forum. Codeine is a very strong painkiller and can have the side effects  that you describe  as I had to take Codeine before and like you had to stop due to the same reaction.

Would simple Paracetamol taken on a regular basis within the guidelines take the edge off the pain for you or would that not take the edge off for you? Maybe a call to the GP is in order to see what if anything they can suggest for you . xxx

Thank you Granny59. Yes, I think I will stick to paracetamol. I’ve been given stemetil pills, too, to help with the dizziness and nausea. Hopefully I’ll be able to get up and about later or tomorrowReassuring to know others have experienced similar with codeine.

I can relate to this. I had the same operation on Wednesday. Thursday had a sickness, dizzy spell twice and then again on Friday. I was prescribed dihydrocodeine. I just take one of those on a night now and have been ok. During the day paracetamol isn’t enough so I have been taking codeine phosphate and been ok with these and an get up and about. Hope your on your feet soon.

Csn I ask are you getting much fluid out of your drain?

Take care . Xx

Hi Til69

It was codeine phosphate that I was taking. Just on paracetamol now which isn’t great but am still feeling rubbish with dizziness and nausea so until that passes I daren’t try anything else. Feels like the worst hangover ever!

I’ve been getting about 100mls from my drain, a bit less today was around 85. 

Sending all best wishes for your recovery, too. Ooh it’s a tough paper round ey?

I can imagine that it isn’t great with just paracetamol but it’s better than the alternative. I really feel for you. 

Do you have a fancy bag to put your drain in? When the consultant said I would put my drain in a bag I said “What a Tesco carrier bag?My boob feels tight and heavy and I was surprised that the dressing is only on the wound so could see it was all bruised at the top. Pleased that’s done. 

It certainly is. One day at a time. Xx

Hi Til69

Yes! I was given a lovely fancy cloth bag to pop my drain in. I suspect there is an army of lovely ladies that run them up for those with drains.

My new boob feels tight too. And HUGE. Bruised too, but not really surprised given everything the poor thing has been through. 

Managed a strip wash and clean PJs, but back in bed now feeling dizzy again.

Tomorrow is another day!

You will feel so much better after having a strip wash and clean pjs.

Little steps. We have to listen to our bodies.   I don’t like having to rely on other people to do things for me but we must. 

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. Take care. Xx

Paracetamol is surprisingly effective on a lot of pains, actually, although everyone is different, of course.  Along with Paracetamol, if you are able to, maybe try some Ibruprofen, or Diclofenac (although not if gastric issues/lots of indigestion, nor if you have asthma) and always take with food.  Anti-inflammatory meds have a different action from Paracetamol so they can be given together.

I do hope you find something that relieves your pain.  Speak to your GP to ask if s/he can suggest alternatives

Stemitil is excellent for feeling dizzy / nauseated so take as prescribed and you'll likely feel much better tomorrow

Hi I am waiting for this procedure, any advice pls x

Hi Shaz52

all the very best for your procedure. The best advice I could offer is be patient and kind to yourself. 

I thought I could rush back to work and even run a Half Marathon this month. Uh, nope! It takes time. 

I found the drain very uncomfortable, I think everyone does. I had it in for 2 weeks and was so relieved when it came out. I’m still struggling a bit with pain and swelling, I have ultrasound tomorrow to see how the new boob is doing and may have seroma drained. 

Once I realised I couldn’t tolerate codeine, I started taking Max dose of paracetamol and ibuprofen. This has massively improved things!

Sending you every best wish. It does get better, just slowly. Be kind and patient, you’ve got this!!