If you are planning to have surgery , or have recently had surgery, this story will be very important to you. Look, when it comes to surgery, whether it is planned or done after an accident, it is normal to feel some pain. That pain comes from the surgery itself, as well as from the body healing. So, managing this pain is a very important part of the recovery process. Let's talk about this in detail, shall we?
How do we plan for pain control before surgery?
If you know you are going to have surgery, it is a good idea to talk to your surgeon about pain management beforehand. This way you can ask any questions you have and know what to expect. You can ask your doctor about:
- How much pain should I expect? Not all surgeries are the same, so ask about your specific surgery.
- What is your natural pain tolerance ? (Especially if you have had surgery before.) Some people feel pain more, some less.
- Do you have any allergies or reactions to any medications? This is very important, as some painkillers may not be suitable for you.
- What medications or over-the-counter supplements are you currently taking? Some medications can interact with painkillers.
- Do you have a drug use problem? Do you have a Substance Use Disorder ? If so, it is very important to tell your doctor.
- What are the possible side effects or complications of painkillers?
Your surgeon will recommend a combination of pain management methods to help you stay comfortable and safe after surgery. For most people, this will include at least one type of medication.
What types of pain occur after surgery?
Your body for surgery How you respond depends on many factors. The type of surgery you have, your natural pain tolerance, and your age can all affect how you feel after surgery. You might expect some pain around the area where you had surgery, but you might also experience some of the following:
- Muscle pain: You may feel pain in various muscles in your body. It can be caused by surgery itself, but many people unconsciously tighten their muscles when they feel pain or pressure.
- Throat pain: Your throat may feel sore or scratchy, especially if you were intubated during surgery.
- Movement pain : Sitting up straight, walking, and coughing are important after surgery. However, doing these things can increase the pain.
Pain can be felt in different ways. It may be:
- It's like cutting with a sharp knife .
- Like stabbing .
- Like throbbing , like a pulse beating.
- Like aching , like a pain in the body.
- Like a ``Burning`` .
Tell your medical team where you are hurting and how the pain feels. This will help them understand what is happening inside your body and help them manage the pain.
What is the best painkiller after surgery? Is the same medicine right for everyone?
There really is no "best" pain reliever for everyone. Your body, health, and recovery from surgery are unique to you. So, what works for you may not work for someone else.
There are several types of pain medication that your surgeon may give you after surgery. If you are staying in the hospital, you may be given an intravenous (IV) medication. But most of the time, the main pain medication you will need will be oral pills.
Main types of painkillers given after surgery
Here are some of the most commonly used types of painkillers:
What are NSAIDs?
NSAIDs are a type of medication that relieves pain and reduces swelling and inflammation . Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription-strength version of NSAIDs.
The most common NSAIDs are:
- `Aspirin` (comes under names like Bayer®, St. Joseph®)
- Ibuprofen (also known as Motrin®, Advil®)
- `Naproxen sodium` (available under the brand name Aleve®)
- Indomethacin (Indocin®)
- `Ketorolac` (Toradol®)
Important: This medicine can cause stomach problems in some people, so it should be used only as directed by a doctor.
Opioids (narcotic painkillers)
Opioids (sometimes called narcotics) are prescription drugs that bind to receptors in the brain and body that reduce pain signals. They are very powerful painkillers and can be addictive. As a result, many doctors are now prescribing opioids less often or at lower doses to minimize their side effects. There are over 100 types of opioids, some examples include:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®)
- `Codeine`
- `Fentanyl`
- `Methadone`
When using these, you should definitely take them exactly as your doctor recommends, in the amount and for the duration prescribed. It is never a good idea to change the dosage as you see fit, or to give it to others.
Topical Anesthetics - Medicines that numb the surface of the skin
Topical anesthetics are medications that numb a specific area of your body. Doctors sometimes call these "local anesthetics." Your surgeon may prescribe a topical anesthetic to help numb the area around the surgery. These can be applied to the skin as patches, creams, or ointments. Common examples include:
- `Lidocaine`
- `Benzocaine`
- `Dibucaine`
- `Phenol`
- `Pramoxine` (Pramoxine)
More painkillers and methods
Your doctor may suggest other medications in addition to those listed above. For example, you may need to take over-the-counter or prescription acetaminophen (known as Tylenol®) or a muscle relaxer.
If you are staying in the hospital after major surgery, the medical team may use special pain relief methods such as:
- Nerve blocks: Temporary numbing of the nerves that carry pain to a specific area.
- Post-surgery anesthesia: Special pain relief methods administered by the anesthesiologist.
- Patient-controlled analgesia pump (PCA pump): A system that allows the patient to receive a prescribed amount of pain medication by pressing a button.
- Epidurals: A special type of painkiller given through the spine, most commonly used during childbirth, but also used for some surgeries.
What are the benefits of using painkillers?
This may seem like a no-brainer, but the biggest benefit of using painkillers after surgery is that they reduce the pain you feel. Not only does this make you more comfortable, it's also an important part of pain management. However, your body heals faster when you're pain-free. Reducing your pain can actually speed up your recovery process.
Controlling pain can also reduce the risk of complications after surgery. If pain is well controlled, it will be easier for you to walk, move around, and breathe deeply. This reduces the risk of other problems, such as pneumonia and blood clots.
Are there any side effects and risks of painkillers given after surgery?
Any medication can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects of painkillers are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Internal bleeding (e.g. from the stomach) (`Internal bleeding / hemorrhage`)
- Liver damage (especially if you take more than the recommended amount of medicine like acetaminophen)
Opioids can be addictive and can cause Opioid Use Disorder. If you take too much at once (or too often), you can experience an Opioid Overdose, which can be fatal. Your surgeon will review your medical history and risk of addiction before giving you Opioids. If you or anyone in your family has a history of drug abuse, it is important to tell your doctor.
Your medical team will explain to you the side effects and risks of complications of any medication you need. If you are concerned about a particular risk or are unsure about how you will respond to the medication, tell them. They will help you find safe, effective options to manage your pain.
How quickly will I feel better after taking painkillers?
The time it takes for a pain reliever to start working can vary. Most medications should start to reduce pain within an hour or two. Ask your healthcare team how quickly your medication will work. They will tell you what to expect.
How often can you take painkillers?
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions about taking painkillers. They will tell you how much medication you can take and how often it is safe to take it.
You may not feel pain as often as you are allowed to take your medication. That's okay. If you don't feel pain, it's usually safe to skip a dose and wait until the pain is worse or until the next dose is due. However, ask your doctor if it's safe to skip doses if you don't have pain.
Also, your doctor may suggest that you take your medication on a regular schedule, whether you are experiencing severe pain or not. This can help you "stay ahead of pain" by preventing sudden flare-ups.
Ask your doctor what the best pain management plan is based on the surgery you had and the medications you are taking.
Can I ask for more painkillers?
If you are experiencing more pain than you think, talk to your surgeon about it. They may be able to adjust your dosage. Never take over-the-counter pain relievers (especially opioids) without your doctor's advice. The medications you will be given after surgery can have complex interactions with the medications you are taking at home.
Your surgeon may also change the type of pain medication you take. Some medications (especially opioids) are given in limited doses, and you may not be able to take more after the initial course is over.
Don't be shy about talking to your healthcare team or talking to them if you're feeling hurt. Some people think that asking questions is "bothering" them. Don't be. It's always okay to ask your doctor these questions. Your doctors are there to help, no matter what. It's always important to them to make sure you're getting better.
Never take more medication than your medical team tells you to. If you take too much painkiller, you are more likely to develop serious complications.
How to control pain at home?
After you leave the hospital or surgery center, most of your pain management will happen at home. You will likely take medication as part of your pain management plan, but you can also do these things:
- Get enough rest. Sleep is extremely important for your body to heal. If you are having trouble sleeping after surgery, talk to your doctor.
- Make yourself comfortable. Plan ahead to place pillows, cushions, or other support devices in the areas where you spend most of your time during the day. You may need to adjust to a different position than you normally sleep or sit in. You can practice these new positions before surgery, which will help your body adjust to the changes.
- Take painkillers before activities or before bed. You may have some flexibility in your painkiller schedule. It's best to take your painkillers before you do any strenuous work, exercise, or other physical activity. Taking your medication before bed can help you fall asleep more easily. Remember, never take additional medications unless your medical team says it's safe.
- Use non-drug pain relief methods. Breathing exercises, meditation, listening to soothing music, and watching a calming movie or TV show can help you manage your pain. Your healthcare team may suggest heat therapy or cold therapy. They can show you how to safely use hot water bottles, ice packs, or cooling pads. Heat or ice can be a good way to manage pain between doses of medication.
What time should I see the doctor?
Your surgeon will tell you how often you need to see the doctor (`follow-up visits`). They will check that you are healing properly and that your healing process is going well.
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your surgeon or medical team immediately :
- If your surgical wound is bleeding.
- If you feel heat or warmth around the wound.
- If there is fluid, pus, or a bad odor coming from the wound.
- If you have any skin discoloration or redness around your surgical wound.
- If your medication causes severe side effects.
The most important things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)
Surgery hurts. But, just because you may experience some pain after an operation doesn't mean you have to suffer through it until you recover. Your surgeon will prescribe painkillers to help you stay comfortable. They will tell you how to take them, how much is safe to take, and when it's okay to take more. All medications can have side effects, but your surgeon will explain all the risks to you up front.
Ask your medical team any questions you may have before and after surgery. They will explain everything you need to know. It can be helpful to have a loved one with you to write things down. You can always print out instructions and guidelines so you can refer to them later. Remember, your well-being is the most important thing!
` Postoperative pain, painkillers, operation pain, pain management, surgery, medication, side effects
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