PreOp® Patient Education: Recovery - Pain Management

http://www.PreOp.com Patient ED @ 617-379-1582 INFO Following the procedure, you'll be moved then to a recovery area where you can relax until the sedation and anesthetic has worn off - and until the doctor is satisfied that you are fit to go home. Plan on spending several hours in recovery. Your doctor may be able to give you a more precise estimate prior to surgery. Before you leave, you'll probably be prescribed a pain killer along with any other medication your doctor feels you need to take. Patient Education Most patients experience at least some pain following surgery, but if properly handled, it shouldn't present any serious problems. Pain used to be regarded as an unavoidable side effect of surgery, but today pain can be managed with great effectiveness. And as the patient, you have an important role to play. Before surgery, be sure to ask the medical staff about the type and duration of pain normally associated with your surgery. Find out, in advance, about your pain management options. Work with the staff to develop a pain management plan. Discuss your options. There are alternatives to drugs that can lessen your need for pain medication. Ask your doctor for help finding a pain management class. Many of these workshops teach helpful relaxation techniques, positive thinking and nerve stimulation exercises. Patient Education Following surgery, make sure to let your nurse know right away how you're feeling and whether or not you are in any pain. Be specific, and help them to measure your discomfort. If you're having trouble expressing yourself, try to rank what you're feeling on a scale from 1 to 10. Never be shy about asking for help. If you experience pain that just won't go away, report it to the nurse. Pain is an important indicator that helps you and your medical staff understand your body's healing process... Patient Education

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YouTube | November 30, 2007

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