Acute Pain After Surgery: Care Instructions

Overview

It's common to have some pain after surgery. Pain doesn't mean that something is wrong or that the surgery didn't go well. But when the pain is severe, it's important to work with your doctor to manage it. It's also important to be aware of a few facts about pain and pain medicine.

• You are the only person who knows what your pain feels like. So be sure to tell your doctor when you are in pain or when the pain changes. Then your doctor will know how to adjust your medicines.
• Pain is often easier to control right after it starts. So it may be better to take regular doses of pain medicine and not wait until the pain gets bad.
• Medicine can help control pain. But this doesn't mean you'll have no pain. Medicine works to keep the pain at a level you can live with. With time, you will feel better.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
  • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Be as active as you can every day. For many people, walking is a good choice. Walking increases blood flow. It may also help prevent pneumonia and constipation.
• Ask your doctor about other ways to relieve pain. These may include breathing exercises, meditation, and using heat or cold.
• To prevent constipation from opioid pain medicines:
  • Include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day. These foods are high in fiber.
  • Drink plenty of water. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • Talk to your doctor about using a stool softener or laxative or taking a fiber supplement, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, every day if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your pain gets worse.
• Your pain is not controlled by medicine.

Watch closely for changes in your health and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.