Post Operative Pain Control

Post Operative Pain Control

Post-Operative Pain Control FAQs
Even with improved and advanced surgical techniques, people still feel some pain and discomfort after surgery, since even minor surgery causes swelling and breakup of tissue. Everyone has a different pain threshold and reacts to pain in an individual way. It is important for you to communicate with your health care team for better control of your postoperative pain. Some of the patients, who undergo surgery under local and regional anesthesia may not have pain for a while.

What kind of pain will I have?
Different surgical procedures cause different types of pain. Your pain can range from mild to intense, it can be throbbing, burning and irritating. There are medications and relaxation techniques that can help you feel better.

How do I communicate my pain to my health care teams?
You will be asked to use a pain scale to help describe your pain level. If 0 means no pain and 10 is the worst pain possible, how would you rate how you feel? To relieve your pain most effectively, your health care team needs to know how well pain relief measures are working for you. Medications can be adjusted to meet your needs.

What kind of pain medicine will I receive after surgery?
Your doctor will choose a method of pain management based on your surgery, your medical history, the amount of pain you are having and your phase of recovery. Initially, to help relieve immediate post-op pain, medications may be given intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM).

One popular IV method is called a PCA, Patient Controlled Analgesia. This PCA machine will deliver a dose of pain medication through your IV when you press the button. Of course, it is programmed with safety features to insure no overdosing. A measured dose of narcotic is delivered with each use and you can only receive certain amount of medication each hour. It is important for you to communicate with your health care team if the pain medication is not effective. Adjustments can be made to your PCA, IV or IM injections. Your pain may not completely disappear, but we should be able to provide adequate comfort to you postoperatively.
As your hospital stay nears its end, you will probably be switched to oral pain medication. You may also be given a prescription for pain relieving pills to take home.
What are the benefits of adequate postoperative pain relief?
Pain medication allows you to be up and around more comfortably. Movement is easier when it doesn’t hurt. This helps healing and circulation and can prevent post-op problems such as blood clots and pneumonia. All this can add up to a shorter hospital stay.

Who do I communicate with in regards to my pain relief?
Your surgeon and anesthesiologist are interested in your pain management. Always feel free to communicate with them and the other hospital team members. There are several different methods of pain medication administration and pain relief. We are dedicated to make your hospital stay as comfortable as possible.

Ref:
www.reddinganesthesia.com
The Medical City, Pain Management Center
Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.
The Medical City offers a roster of competent Pain Specialists who may assess and treat people with pain. For any inquiries please call:
PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINIC
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 loc. 6453

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 loc. 6444