Loved one has legit pain. And several surgeries/procedures lined up. What alternatives to opioids are available for pain management?
I know we aren’t all doctors here, so looking for personal opinions/experience. (And any docs out there, raise your hand! 
)
Afternoon Katie,
Great questions, so prior to surgery you should have this discussion with your Doc. Sometimes its very important for healing purposes a patient is using meds to keep them in a resting state. Im not a doc , but I always tell my families you must advocate for yourself or loved one. If they have a history of substance abuse , you should disclose it right away and make sure you ask each time meds are given or prescribed. There are non opiate options, so ask! Good luck .
I (sort of) wish I could go with my dad to all his appointments, you know!? I’m not totally convinced that he’s advocating for his recovery in there. 
I have had back issues for my entire adult life. I’ve had many procedures including epidurals, and I found those to be most effective for managing pain. Followed by physical therapy regularly (and maybe a little bit of acupuncture and cupping if that’s your jam 
). This is just addressing back pain, however there are many other options for pain management that aren’t narcotics (such as Naproxen)! I agree with @Kris_Perry_Long that this should be discussed with one’s doctor, and these days doctors are becoming more educated on pain management medication and precautions.
There are two great books I recommend for this topic:
Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection and The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain
Hey @Katie,
Maybe you could ask your dad to sign a release , so that you can talk with his Doctor. If he’s not ok with that you can always call the office , and as to speak with the office manager, they will tell you they can’t confirm or deny he is a patient there but you can just gently express your concerns about his past substance abuse and just want to make sure he’s advocating for himself .
Good Luck and if you need an ear always here ,
Kris
508-212-7206