Pain control will be a top priority for you and your doctor after any operation. Although there is some degree of discomfort and pain after any type of surgery, the doctor will take precautions to provide you with a way to treat your pain. This is not only to make you feel comfortable, but it can't heal as soon as your body is in pain.

When you are about to undergo surgery, your doctor will check your current medical condition and your medical history. Always be honest and tell them about any type of medication you are taking, especially if you have taken medication to control the pain.

Expected type of pain

After the operation, you may feel pain in a surprising place. Many times it is not in the surgical site. You may experience discomfort or pain after surgery:

• Muscle – Your back, chest, neck or shoulder muscles may feel uncomfortable or painful. This comes from a location on the operating table, or the team may “handle” you during the procedure.

• Throat – Your throat may feel hoarse or sore. This is because there are any tubes in your mouth or throat. Sports – Anything like sitting or walking can be uncomfortable and painful. Even coughing or sneezing can cause increased pain.

Control your pain

Just let your doctor and caregiver tell you about your pain and you can play an important role in your pain management. Your primary staff will be measured and you will be asked to rate your pain using a 0 to 10 number during your stay. Zero is no pain, ten is the most likely pain. This system helps your medical team understand the effects of pain management treatments or whether changes are needed.

Who will help you with your pain?

You and your doctor will talk about your pain management before surgery to determine the treatment you can accept. Sometimes the doctor will bring a pain specialist to work with you after the operation.

However, at the end of the day, you will be the final decision. Your medical history and current health status will be used by your doctor and pain specialist to provide you with a choice of pain management.

Different types of pain management treatment

Patients often receive multiple types of pain management treatments. This is based on their needs and the type of surgery they have. Your doctor and pain specialist will make sure they are effective but safe, but there is a certain level of risk for any type of medication. Some of the most commonly used treatments for pain management are:

• Intravenous PCA [patient-controlled analgesia]

The PCA is a computerized pump that allows patients to treat a safe amount of painkillers themselves. The unit has been programmed to release a specific amount only for a certain period of time.

• nerve block

Nerve block controls the pain in the small, isolated area of ​​the body. This pain management method can be distributed through an epidural catheter to prolong pain management.

• Oral painkillers

At some point after surgery, your doctor is likely to order some form of oral painkiller. You need to let the caregiver know when you have pain, and if you are within the usual four hours, they will give you the prescribed dose.

Pain management without medication

There are ways to achieve pain management. For example, guided images, a concentrated method of relaxation, create a calm and calm image in the minds of patients. This mental escape can be enhanced by listening to music and changing position.

Your doctor may give you instructions on hot and cold therapy. This will reduce your pain and any swelling you may experience. For abdominal or chest surgery, using a pillow when you cough, sneeze or take a deep breath will help as a pain management method.

Pain management after plastic surgery was originally published on Spring