Pain relief at home after surgery
painkillers after surgery at home · pain after surgery · how to relieve pain after discharge · pain control after discharge
At home, pain after surgery is relieved with pills on your doctor's schedule. A person whose pain is well controlled gets up and recovers faster.
After discharge, while a wound or joint heals.
⏱ Duration: usually a few days or weeks, the pain gradually gets less
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Schedule. Before discharge ask for it to be written down: what to take, how much, at what time and for how long.
- Pharmacy. Buy the painkillers in advance, so you are not left without them at night.
- Other help. Ordinary ways help too: cold, a raised leg or arm, a comfortable position.
What to bring
- The discharge summary with the pain relief schedule
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- Take the painkiller by the clock, not only when the pain is already strong
- Write down the time you took it, so you do not get confused
- Do not go over the dose or combine similar medicines yourself
- Apply cold through a cloth, if your doctor allows it
- Move a little - this also reduces pain
- When the pain eases, the dose is lowered on your doctor's advice
What you'll feel
- The pain is usually stronger in the first days, then gets weaker
- Some painkillers cause drowsiness or constipation
Afterwards
- If the pain does not go away or grows, tell your surgeon
- Do not drive if the medicine makes you drowsy
- For constipation, drink more and move, and ask your doctor about a remedy
Contact a doctor straight away if
- The pain suddenly gets much worse or is different
- Fever above 38, or the wound is red, hot or has pus
- Black stools or vomiting blood - call your local emergency number
- Severe drowsiness or slow breathing - call your local emergency number
Common questions
Can I wash down a painkiller with alcohol?
No. Alcohol with painkillers is dangerous for the liver, stomach and breathing.
What if the pain does not go away with pills?
Do not raise the dose yourself. Call your surgeon or the clinic.