Nine ways to deal with post-operative pain

by Ahsan Sohail
Nine ways to deal with post-operative pain

Recovering from a surgical procedure is not pleasurable at all. Pain management after surgery can be really frantic. There may be several kinds of limitations regarding physical movements and eating patterns. It takes time for the pain to go away completely. 

Dealing with post-operative pain does not mean to start taking pain killers increasingly. Pain killers and medications have their significance in managing pain. But other than medicines, various techniques can help in dealing with post-operative pain in a more practical way. Using a blend of procedures to control post-operational agony can be extremely useful and give preferable relief from discomfort and pain over medicine alone. 

Effective methods for managing pain after a surgical procedure:

The following are some methods that you can help you control any pain you might experience after your surgical procedure. 

  1. Staying ahead of the pain:

Staying ahead of your pain indicates that you don’t wait for your torment to get severe before you take your medicines. On the off chance that you hold up for till your pain gets severe or expanding, it will be progressively hard to get over the pain. More particularly, after taking medicines and waiting for your body to consume the drug and produce results. 

In the beginning, right after your operation, try to take your medicines regularly. The pain immediately after the surgery is unbearable. For this exact reason, doctors prescribe many pain medications that help in getting relief from the pain. As time goes by and your pain starts reducing, you can extend the time between your dosages until you can stop taking these medicines completely.

  • Adhere to Instructions. 

While this may appear to be basic, adhering to guidelines or instructions implies even the smallest advice and directions you may discover unnecessary or pointless. In case your primary care physician tells you to refrain from lifting anything or a certain amount of weight for some time after the surgery. Then consider that he says it because of some reason.

If your doctor tells you to abstain from driving, then this is for your security. Regardless of whether you feel better genuinely, internal healing might still be in process. Not following the doctor’s instructions or advice can cause severe problems and sometimes lead to severe infections or bleeding. 

  • Maintain a healthy diet: 

Often patients get constipated after going through a surgical procedure. Although you might not be eager to eat anything, it is imperative to maintain a healthy diet that effectively helps in advancing the healing process.

Many foods help in decreasing surgical exhaustion and help in speeding up the recovery process. Following is a list of food essentials that you must consider consuming.

  • Proteins: 

Proteins play a significant role in healing wounds. Chicken and eggs are the best sources of proteins. So attempt to get as many proteins as you can for fast recovery. 

  • Vitamin C:

Researches have shown that vitamin C and zinc helps in speedy betterment. Fruits have all the essential vitamins required for a human body. So eat a sufficient amount of fruit or as suggested by your doctor and get healthy faster.

  • Iron:

Human bone marrow forms new blood cells with the help of iron and B-12. Consuming goods rich in iron and B-12 helps to heal wounds expeditiously. So add more iron and B-12 rich foods such as fish and eggs in your diet.

  • Fiber and probiotics:

Consuming Fiber and probiotics altogether does wonders in the healing process. This mixture supports the immune system by keeping the digestive tract moving along. If you think of consuming both in one go, then try eating yogurt with granola. It is the only simple approach to get a serving of both probiotics and Fiber.

  • Foods to avoid:

Sports drinks: It is imperative to stay hydrated during the recovery time. So drink much water. But refrain from drinking sports drinks as they have excess amounts of sodium in them. They assist your body in retaining water, which makes it increasingly hard to get rid of swelling. 

Sugar rich foods: Sugar rich foods prompt fatigue due to changes in body’s glucose level. It can sometimes cause extreme weariness. So to avoid such conditions, limit your sugar intake and avoid sugary foods as much as you can.

  • Getting enough sleep:

Getting enough amount of sleep can help you in your pain management after surgery. Rest is the most significant thing one can do to reduce their post-surgical pain. Getting the right amount of sleep improves your capacity to adapt to pain, speeds healing, and can help in diminishing extreme torment.

Many patients experience insomnia (a sleeping disorder) after their surgical procedure. It is quite common and makes it more challenging to cope with pain. Try sleeping in certain positions alongside some pain medications for reducing pain to sleep well.

  • Gradually proliferate your Physical Activity: 

Things that feel good when you are healthy might not make you feel the same after a couple of hours of surgery. During the recovery period, feeling better seems like a challenge. Even like an invitation to your routine. But try not to do it excessively. It can tire you up very fast and making it more difficult for you to keep moving forward with your physical activities. 

Increment your physical movements very slowly. Try to exercise only once or twice a day. Do not over-do it. Keep it slow. Until you fully recover from the surgical procedure and can restore your maximum capacity.

  • Non-Prescription Pain Medication:

You don’t need to worry about choosing prescription pain medicines or no pain killers at all. You can take your prescription pain medicines or no pain medicines at all. It’s all up to you. You don’t have to worry about necessarily picking up one. You can go for other pain medications as well after getting approval from your doctor. NSAIDs and Tylenol are pain medicines that help in relieving any pain. But remember that they are not strong enough to warrant no torment prescription by any means. Always ask your doctor whether there is a suitable OTC medicine available for you.

  • Try not to Sit Too Long:

Sitting or lying in one spot for a long time can prompt more agony. Get up and walk for a few minutes every once in a while. It will help to keep your body in movement and prevent it from getting stiff by staying in one place for too long.

Moreover, it has an additional advantage of diminishing the danger of blood clots development after surgery. People typically abstain from physical movements or walking after the operation. Getting up after sitting for a while can be very painful. If your pain is extreme to the point that you are unable to perform basic tasks such as standing or walking, then consider consulting your doctor immediately.

  • Don’t miss your follow-up appointments:

Feeling better does not mean you can skip your post-operative appointments with your doctor. Doctors can see through things that you are unable to. Mainly what is the internal state of your wound? Your doctor will perform a follow-up blood test to make sure that there is no infection or any changes in accordance with your medicine is required.

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