Post-surgical pain control
Some discomfort is expected after any surgery, but this generally can be kept to a manageable level using the PRIME method: Preemption, Rest, Ice, Medication, and Elevation! It is important to pay attention to pain, because it is our bodies' way of reminding us to protect ourselves.
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Preemption: Most patients are given an injection of numbing medicine at the time of surgery. This medication will help with pain control immediately after surgery but will likely wear off within the first 24 hours. Take measures to keep yourself comfortable before the numbing medicine has worn off. It's a lot easier to manage discomfort when you've had a head start than when you're playing catch up.
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Rest: Rest is a critical part of the recovery process. After surgery is the perfect time to sit back, kick up your heels, and take a nap or catch up on your favorite TV shows. Listen to your body. If it hurts, don't do it.
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Ice: Icing the surgical area helps decrease pain and inflammation by reducing blood flow to the area. We recommend icing three to four times a day for twenty minutes at a time. The ice pack can be placed directly over the post-surgical dressing or splint. The ice pack should not be paced directly on the skin. If the skin is bare, the ice pack should be wrapped in a towel to protect the skin. If you don't have an ice pack, a bag of peas is an excellent substitute.
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Medication: Dr. Williams will discuss which pain medication is right for you after surgery. If there is no medical contraindication, she will recommend combined use of acetaminophen and an NSAID (such as Advil, Motrin, or Alleve.) When taken regularly, these medications can provide excellent pain relief. Narcotic (opioid) pain medications are not always necessary. If a narcotic is prescribed, it is a good idea to take it with food to avoid nausea. You may also want to consider a stool softener such as docusate, as narcotics often cause constipation. Do not use alcohol or drive while using narcotic pain medication.
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By Colorado law, refills of prescription pain medication cannot be called into your pharmacy. These must be sent electornically to the pharmacy. Provide 24 hours notice if you need a refill, and keep in mind that the office closes for the weekend at 4 pm on Fridays.
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Elevation: Elevate, elevate, elevate! Keep the surgical area above the level of your heart as much as possible to control postoperative pain and swelling.
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