Pain Control After Surgery

Some pain is not uncommon following surgery and everyone feels and responds to pain differently. Even people who undergo the same surgery will have differing amounts of pain afterward.

It is important that you understand why and how the surgery is being done, and what types of pain control are planned. You will work with your nurses and doctors before and after surgery to decrease and relieve pain. This will help in speeding up your recovery.

Steps to prevent or relieve pain

Before surgery

Be prepared. Ask questions like:

• What should I expect?
• Will there be much pain?
• Where will pain occur?
• How long is it likely to last?
• Will there be medication side effects?

Design your pain control plan by:

• Evaluating the methods and medications are available for your pain.
• Asking your doctor about deep breathing and relaxation exercises.
• Reviewing pain control methods that have worked for you in the past.

After surgery

Take or ask for pain relief medication when pain begins. It is easier to prevent or relieve pain before it has taken hold. Your pain may worsen when you begin activities or during breathing exercises, so it often helps to take pain medication first.

You can help your doctor and nurse measure your pain by rating it on a scale of 0 to 10, with "0" being no pain and "10" being severe pain. Reporting pain as a number helps your doctor and nurses understand how well your pain control plan is working. It also helps to determine if changes need to be made to your medication.