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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Is general information only. You need instructions that are tailored to your specific situation, including your overall health, age, possibly your sex or weight, other medications you take, allergies, risk factors, and what kind of pain you have. The goal for you and your practitioner should be to use pain medications: At the lowest effective dosageFor the shortest amount of time possibleWithout compromising your recovery Your healthcare provider may advise you to check your pain level before taking these powerful and potentially dangerous drugs. The table below has recommendations from the American College of Surgeons about making pain-control decisions when you go home after surgery. PAIN INTENSITYHOW YOU FEELRECOMMENDATIONVery mildPain hardly noticed, activity not limitedNon-drug therapies* + non-narcotic drugs as neededMildPain is distracting, simple activities okayNon-drug therapies + non-narcotic drugs as neededMild-to-moderatePain is hard to ignore, more noticeable with restNon-drug therapies + non-narcotics regularlyModeratePain interferes with usual activitiesNon-drug therapies + non-narcotics regularlyModerate-to-highFocus is on pain, can't perform daily activitiesNon-drug therapies + non-narcotics regularly + narcotics (short term)**HighGroaning in pain, can't sleep or do anythingNon-drug therapies + non-narcotics regularly + narcotics (short term)SevereWorst pain possible, nothing else mattersNon-drug therapies + non-narcotics regularly + narcotics (short term) *Non-drug therapies may include:RestIceElevationMeditation or guided imageryAcupunctureMassagePhysical or occupational therapyMild exercise (e.g., stretching, walking) **Short-term use of narcotics is considered just a few days. If you have severe pain or increasing pain four or more days after surgery, call your surgeon. Over-the-Counter Medications You can buy several pain medications over-the-counter (OTC) and your healthcare provider may advise you to use them for pain from a variety of causes. OTC pain relievers include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. NSAIDs OTC NSAIDs help alleviate pain by lowering your levels of inflammation. They should not be combined with other NSAIDs (either prescription or OTC). OTC anti-inflammatories include:Advil/Motrin
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