Pain Medicine Questions
Although pain medicine is sometimes necessary before surgery, Dr. Brady prefers to save the pain medicine for after surgery because then the medication will be much more effective after surgery if you are not exposed to it before hand.
Pain AFTER Surgery?
Pain after surgery typically runs a relatively predictable course. Everyone is different and will experience pain differently but typically patients have surgical pain for 2 to 3 days after surgery. Then the pain usually subsides quite a bit. When physical therapy begins the pain level usually increases for a few days or weeks. Then over time the pain continues to subside.
Dr. Brady prescribes a VERY strong pain medicine for the immediate postoperative period. At each office visit we will inquire about your pain. He will attempt to slowly wean you down from the strong pain medication to progressively less potent medications. This is done in an effort to not allow patients do develop an addiction to the pain medication.
When should I take the pain medicine after surgery?
For the first few days...take it as frequently as necessary (within the prescription limits of course). Try to stay AHEAD of the pain. As the pain lessens you will be able to decrease the medication.
How else can I help the pain?
Another very effective means of pain reduction is ICE! When you have shoulder and arm pain, ice should be the first thing you try. Also if the pain medicine Dr. Brady prescribes is not doing the trick, try adding Ibuprofen. As long as you are not allergic or are intolerant of ibuprofen, you can add up to 800mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours. Be aware of any gastric upset which may occur and if you have severe heart disease consult your primary care physician before taking this medication.
Other?
We want to make every effort to MINIMIZE your pain however please understand that a certain amount of pain is going to occur. It should be a very tolerable level. Please feel free to call our office immediately if you have any questions or concerns.