At Home After Surgery:
Managing Pain
The right pain management after surgery can do more than help you feel better. When your pain is controlled, you can move better, rest more, and ultimately promote healing.
There are many options for pain management after surgery, and each person responds differently to these. To facilitate your comfort and healing, partner with your surgeon to create a plan for pain control after surgery. The goals of your plan are to:
make pain manageable
help you keep moving
help you rest to support healing
Even with a solid pain management plan, your pain may not completely go away immediately after surgery. But be patient with yourself — surgery is hard on your body, and you will need time to heal.
Pain Control Options
Here are the most common pain control options available to patients:
Non-drug methods. Techniques include applying ice (or sometimes heat), practicing deep breathing, distraction, relaxation exercises, and gentle movement.
Non-opioid medications. Options include both over-the-counter medications (like ibuprofen and acetaminophen) and prescription medications. These medications work best when taken on a schedule to keep pain relief consistent.
Opioid medications. These medications are typically used for severe pain and are available only by prescription. Always use these exactly as directed.
Tips and techniques for a comfortable recovery
Be Aware of Changes
Pain that gets worse after it gets better may be a sign of a complication, like an injury or infection. Be sure to call your doctor if this happens.
Types Of Pain After Surgery
Post-surgical pain is typically most severe the first 24-48 hours after surgery. It should continue to get better every day but it can take several weeks for your tissue to heal and pain to resolve. In some cases, it can linger for months.
Not all pain after surgery is the same. The best treatment options — or options — will depend on the cause of your pain and your procedure.
Incisional pain
This pain is due to a surgical incision — or cut — in your skin and the tissue below. It can feel sharp and burning or dull and throbbing. Try placing an ice pack on the site for 15-20 minutes to help relieve mild to moderate pain. This can be combined with non-opioid medications. If your pain is moderate, take non-opioid medicines around the clock to stay ahead of it. It is easier to keep pain under control than it is to “catch up.” If that is not effective, you may need opioids for a short time.
Nerve pain
This type of pain happens when nerves are damaged or compressed. Often, it is temporary and due to swollen tissues. It feels like a burning, stabbing, or tingling pain, sometimes along a nerve pathway. Let your surgeon know if your pain feels like nerve pain; they will know the type of medication to help.
Gas pain
In some types of surgery, gas is placed in your abdomen to help the surgeon see. This gas can be uncomfortable until it clears. Digestive gas can also build up in your bowels post-surgery due to anesthesia, dietary changes, and if you can’t move around as much as usual.
Walking and gentle movement can help relieve gas. Also, avoid gas-producing foods like beans, cabbage, and carbonated beverages. Simethicone, an over-the-counter medication, can also help by breaking up the gas bubbles to make them easier to pass.
Muscle soreness
Muscle pain after surgery can be due to the position you were in during your procedure, or medications used during your surgery. A heating pad can relax and soothe sore muscles, but don’t place it on any incisions. Doing so can increase bleeding and your risk of infection.
Sore throat
If you had general anesthesia, you may have had a breathing tube placed in your throat during surgery. A sore throat after a breathing tube can last several days. Popsicles, ice, hot tea, and lozenges are some options for relief.
Pain from a medical device
A device like a drain or tube can support healing, but can sometimes be uncomfortable. Keep your device secured close to your body to avoid pulling on it. Medical tape can help.
Empty surgical drains often. Be sure to measure the contents of your drain if your instructions say to do so. Strip the tubing to keep it clear of clots and avoid fluid buildup. You can also pad the place the tube goes into your skin with clean gauze.
Warning Signs
Track your pain levels and how the treatments are working. Share any concerns with your doctor, especially if you experience side effects or feel the pain isn’t well-managed.
Let your doctor know right away if:
The pain is keeping you from moving
The pain gets worse after getting better
The pain comes on suddenly and spreads
Remember, paying attention to your body and communicating with your care team can help keep your pain managed and help you heal.
Taking Opioid Medications Safely
Opioid medications come with risks and side effects. Follow these guidelines for safe use:
Take only the prescribed dose. Taking too much can slow your breathing, which can be life-threatening. You are also more likely to have side effects like nausea and constipation with higher doses.
Use the medication for the shortest necessary time. You are least likely to develop addiction or dependence on opioids if you take them for five days or less.
Store medication safely. Dispose of unused medication properly to reduce the risk of misuse.
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