Hi Everyone, Ken fell today (now yesterday) and fractured 2 vertebrae. We spent the day in ER and he finally has a room and I am home for a few hours sleep. I need to know: Are there any pain meds I need to keep away from him? I know some of you are East coast so may be able to reply before I go back to hospital around 6 AM Pacific time- Thanks for any input you may have, Sher

Oh, Sher! I'm so sorry to hear about your husband falling and injuring himself! My husband fell twice yesterday [once, trying to kick the dog for barking] but, thankfully, was not injured.

It is my understanding that morphine is preferred over demerol. If strong analgesics are not required, the weaker narcotics, like percocet, are probably fine.

I hope they are keeping him for a few days and maybe some time in rehab before he comes home. It will give you a chance to get some sleep and catch up on your errands, etc. BTDT. God bless! I'm there with you in spirit, sharing your burden.

Sorry to hear about the fall and resulting breaks. Hope things go well at the hospital today. Try to get some rest while he is in the hospital. Lynn

You asked: "Are there any pain meds I need to keep away from him?"

Every person is different so there's no overall opinion on this. I suggest whatever dose is given be as low a dose as possible, and increase the dose slowly. The key is to monitor him closely for side effects. Even neurologically normal people can hallucinate or have problems on these meds.