WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
There's no way around it: Even minor surgery will leave
you with some degree of pain. However, keeping this pain to a
minimum will not only increase your comfort, but actually speed
healing. Your doctor will prescribe strong pain-killers to
achieve this.
Causes
Pain after surgery is an
inevitable result of injury to your skin, muscles, and nerves
during the operation. The amount of discomfort may be affected
by the length of the operation. Other causes of postsurgical
pain include the type of anesthetic used during the operation,
gas in your bowels, and anxiety.
Signs/Symptoms
Pain in the area of the surgery
may be accompanied by anxiety, restlessness, sweating, and an
inability to move. If you have to much pain to walk, talk, or
breathe normally, you need more medication to ease your
suffering.
Care
While you are still in the
hospital, you will get pain medicine in your IV, as a shot, or
by mouth. When you return home, you'll be prescribed pain
medication you can take by mouth.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
To stay comfortable and heal more quickly, be sure to
take your pain medication exactly as directed. If the pain
does not go away or comes back, tell a doctor right
away.
-
Check with your doctor before taking any other
medications. Do not drink alcohol or drive while you are
taking narcotic pain medication.
-
If the operation was on your arm or leg, keep it
elevated. This will help relieve the pain and swelling, and
will reduce the amount of blood flowing toward the
wound.
-
If the incision is on your chest or abdomen, hold a
pillow firmly over that area while coughing and breathing
deeply. This ""splinting'' will reduce the pain of deep
coughing and breathing, which are needed to help prevent
lung infections.
-
Your doctor may suggest you try to reduce the pain by
applying warm compresses, a heating pad set on low, or cold
packs to the incision. (Be sure to place a washcloth
between your skin and the cold pack).
-
Changing positions in bed or having your back rubbed
may help your pain. You may feel better if you put a cool
cloth on your hands or face. Try to take your mind off your
pain by watching TV or listening to the
radio.
-
Constipation is a common side effect with many
narcotic pain medications, so increase the fluids and fiber
in your diet. A high fiber diet includes whole grain foods
such as wheat bread and brown rice, raw fruit and
vegetables, and legumes (beans).
-
Get plenty of rest so your body can repair
itself.
-
Try to get up and around and take care of your
personal needs as much as possible.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have pain an hour after taking your pain
medication (it may not be strong
enough).
-
You feel very sleepy or groggy (your pain medication
may be too strong).
-
You have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or a
rash.
-
You have increased redness, swelling, bleeding, or
pus-like drainage coming from the
wound.
-
You have tingling, numbness, swelling, or bluish
fingers or toes.
-
Your incision opens up.
-
You have significant pain or discomfort after routine
activity.
-
You develop a temperature of over 100 degrees F (37.8
degrees C).
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