Question You gave me expert info in this area on a couple of occassions recently. I very recently had the surgery & it went perfect. I have one question. I am refusing to pay for a pain medication, Ketorolac because I had no pain, nausea, swelling or redness. I was fully alert when transferred to bed for observation and up and walking almost immediately . I asked that I be given no medication for pain because I don't need it and if I did, I would still have to consider risk vs. value. For instance, this medication is noted NOT for Mild Pain, but for Moderate pain. Can cause heart attack, stomach upset, stomach bleeding, hole in stomach & do not take if on warfarin, water pill or enalapril. I am on all three as well as nexium for GERD. I am 72 and that is another factor. I am in very, very good physical health, have a proper diet, exercise, not overweight and take proper supplements, so why treat me like a standard(everyother) patient with a pre-planned standard plan. It should be based on need, value, wish of patient in coordination with the Dr. Nurses, Staff working together and discussing and explaining. What is your opinion on this pain medication. I had no adverse effect, but thats not the point, I do not pay for something not wanted or required. Thanks/Advise!
Answer Dear Bill,
I say great! I am glad that all went well for you.
You said you had a question to ask me but didn't make the question clear...I assume you want to know my thoughts about Ketorolac.
I love the medication and have used it often with great relief of pain for my patients. It acts quickly and can be very effective if used properly. It isn't used long term because of the side effects that you noted but can do a great job of relieving pain post-operatively for a day or two. I explain to my patients in lay mans terms that Ketorolac is a medication that can be thought of to be just like Motrin, Advil or Ibuprophen, only administered in a different way. These drugs also have the same side effects and are used by many people with good pain relief.
I would agree with you that if you didn't receive something you don't pay for it. The exception of course is that if there is a package deal and the cost of the med is factored into the entire deal. This does sometimes occur in the OR settings. Another point to make is that the reason you didn't have any pain post-operatively is that you were still under the influence of the anesthesia you received during your surgery. Those medications are probably part of a package too.
