I’m almost 70. I’ve had two neck fusions, rotator cuff repair, and the re-attachment of four severed tendons in my right hand. (My surgeons agree that I have an active lifestyle.) The severed tendons were, by far, the most painful. Even then, I was off the opioids within a week. I was off the painkillers, other than Tylenol, within 48 hours.
In each surgery, I was usually given a prescription for 60 opioids with two or three renewals. I do think that is over prescribing, but it is a matter of personal discipline too. Problem is, doctors prescribe a pill every four/six hours and give patients enough pills to last several weeks. Patients believe they should follow this instructions so they take the pills for weeks on end. Now we wonder why people become addicted.
I agree. I also had a tendon surgery in a finger....