Pain After Surgery and Proper Management

The most important thing to remember is that everyone handles pain differently. Each type of surgery generally involves a certain level and type of pain. At Effingham Ambulatory Surgery Center, we want you to have a safe and comfortable recovery.

What kinds of pain will I feel after surgery?

• Muscle pain: You may feel muscle pain in the shoulders, neck, back, or chest from lying on the operating table.
• Throat pain: Your throat may feel scratchy or sore.
• Movement pain: Sitting up, walking, and coughing are all important activities after surgery, but they may cause increased pain at or around the incision site.

What can I do to help keep my pain under control?

At Effingham Ambulatory Surgery Center, we want and need to know about pain that is not well controlled. If you are having pain, tell someone! While you are recovering. It is important to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with “0” being “no pain” and “10” being “the worst pain you can imagine”. This helps the doctors and nurses know how well your treatment is working and whether to make any changes.

How do I control pain at home?

You will most likely be given prescriptions for pain medication to take at home. These may or may not be the same pain medications you took at Effingham Ambulatory Surgery Center. If the pain is unbearable at home, be sure to call your surgeon immediately. Remember to take your pain medication before activity, usually at regular intervals (such as every 4 to 6 hours). It is important you are getting enough rest.

At Effingham Ambulatory Surgery Center, we do understand the concerns many patients have about their post-operative care, and we are here to alleviate their worries. If you are in serious pain, please call your physician, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911. Contact us for any questions or concerns you have about how to manage pain after surgery.