Surgery and pain always go hand-in-hand. That is why most people do surgery as a last resort. True enough, the anesthesiologist takes care of pain during surgery by applying anesthetics or by completely sedating the patient so that pain is never felt. This is only good, however, until it wears off. It is usually after surgery when the real battle with pain begins.
That is why every person who is about to undergo surgery should first discuss post operative pain management with the doctor. Every person reacts differently to different types of pain medication. It varies depending on a person's health issues, medical history, current medications, pain tolerance, emotional state and other factors which may affect a person's response to pain management treatment. It is imperative to sit down with the doctor and talk not only about what to expect during and from the surgery but more importantly, what to expect after the surgery. It is important to discuss post operative pain and how to manage it effectively.
Ask the doctor about the post operative pain management plan that is going to be undertaken. Be direct and upfront and tell the doctor about all the medications you are currently taking. This are vital information since some pain management drugs may have complications when taken with other types of medication. By informing the pain management doctor about your existing medications, the most ideal and suitable pain management treatment will be made out for you. Do not be afraid to ask how long the pain is going to last. Make sure you talk about the side effects of all the pain management medication that you will have to take. This is extremely important as it makes you aware of the effect of your medication and gives you an inkling if your recovery is on the right track. By knowing what side effects to expect, you will be less anxious and will be more confident in distinguishing whether the symptom that you have is a normal side effect or one that should make you start worrying.
It is also important to inform your doctor if you have a chronic pain condition. People who have chronic pain conditions tend to take or have taken over long periods of time pain management drugs. A person who has been using pain medication over long periods of time, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, may develop medication tolerance, making pain killers less effective on them than on other persons. Sharing this information with your post operative pain management doctor will enable him to adjust the dosage or potency of the medication or prescribe other types of drugs which are more suited for persons who have developed medication tolerance.
Persons with drug or alcohol addiction or those who are recovering from addiction tend to conceal it from the doctor. Hiding this information would, to a great extent, make your post operative pain management ineffective and subject you to unnecessary pain. By letting the doctor know of addiction issues, he will be able to manage your pain and address the addiction at the same time.
When it comes to post operative pain management, constant and open communication with the doctor is absolutely necessary and the only way to a speedy recovery.
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