RLS and surgery

[dancer2]

As I have previously indicated, I take Belbuca buccal patch for my RLS. I am scheduled for hip replacement surgery in the near future. Recently I have seen several posts stating that any surgery will cause increased RLS . Honestly, I am now very concerned and anxious about this. Because I take Belbuca, I will not be able to use opioids post-op. Anti nausea meds were listed as causing some of the symptoms. Is Zofran ok?

[ChrisColumbus]

Surgery certainly CAN exacerbate RLS, but I had a hernia repair op without RLS issues.

RlS-UK says in 'Medications to Avoid':

"Discuss any anti nauseates with your doctors before surgery as many, including prochlorperazine or metoclopramide, will trigger RLS during and after surgery. Safe alternatives include odansetron (Zofran), domperidone or granisetron hydrochloride"

I hope that it goes well.

[dancer2 in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Thank you.

[Jumpey]

I have had several surgeries where I had Zofran and it was great .No rls at all. Why do you think you can't have opioid pain relief? I was on morphine for rls and was given fentanyl post surgery with no ill effects at all.Good luck.

[dancer2 in reply to Jumpey]

I was told that Belbuca (a form of Buprenorphine) is used to help addicts stop using opioids. That it will cause severe nausea, etc if I take an opioid while I am using it

[Jumpey in reply to dancer2]

That's strange because it is an opioid.

[Hidden in reply to Jumpey]

Buprenorphine is commonly used to treat opioid use disorder. It's structure is a little different to other opioids. One isn't supposed to take other opioids while on buprenorphine.

[4sibbs]

I’ve just had hip replacement surgery I’ve not been diagnosed with RLS nor do I take anything although I do occasionally get restless legs, I would certainly speak to your consultant because for several weeks you have to sleep on your back (you can prop yourself up) I’ve not had too many problems with my legs but have found getting up and moving around does help if my legs feel uncomfortable. Hope this helps

[Joolsg]

They will give you post operative pain relief. They will adjust the dose to take account of the belbuca.Zofran is safe. Sometimes hip surgery can involve blood loss, which reduces iron. So make sure you ask for full iron panel blood tests before surgery so you can see if it is safe to take iron supplements post surgery.

[dancer2 in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you.

[Merny5]

Zofran worked for me. Be sure to discuss pain medication before surgery. For some reason the oxy did not work for me after my shoulder replacement. I take methadone. I’m not sure if that blocked the effects of the oxy. I had to go to a pain clinic to get a higher dose. Good luck to you. You will get through it and good luck!

[dancer2 in reply to Merny5]

Thank you.

[Fatno]

I had a hip replacement in Oct & noticed increased RLS in the operative leg, but it settled back down eventually. I take Zofran occasionally & don't notice any changes in symptoms.

[restlessstoz]

Hi Dancer2, I have had hip replacement surgery this year, January 11th. I am on buprenorphine patches.

I printed out the RLS.org list of drugs to avoid and had two copies. I gave one to the anaesthetist and one to the surgeon- on the day of surgery so they had it in their hands. The anaesthetist was very helpful and kind and promised to avoid everything listed.

I had surgery, a spinal block, nerve block and sedation; and afterwards, once the spinal started to wear off was offered Tapentadol and Oxycodone alternately. They took into account that I was also on buprenorphine. I started to experience a mild RL symptom the first evening and they were able to give me an additional dose which stopped it in its tracks. I had no other issues at the hospital and was discharged the day after surgery with more of the two drugs to aid pain relief.

I hope this helps to reassure you. Do print out the list of drugs to avoid and the patient warning. Give it to them personally. And explain how you can't avoid moving and wriggling if you get symptoms. Good luck.

[dancer2 in reply to restlessstoz]

Thank you so much. I will give the list to the surgeon and anesthesiologist.