Mitigating Pain After Surgery

Any surgical procedure, minimally invasive or open, simple or complex will come with a degree of pain afterwards. This pain, while unavoidable, can be managed effectively and mitigated with proper care, both in the hospital and after discharge.

The key to pain management is open communication with Dr. Lublin and your medical team. This communication will begin at the hospital or surgery center, immediately after your procedure. Both the nursing staff and Dr. Lublin will monitor your condition and ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.

When they visit you, your medical team will discuss pain management and the sensations you are feeling. This is the time to let them know about your level of pain and where the pain is located. Some patients do not want to discuss their pain. They should know however, that beyond their own comfort, the location and severity of pain can be very telling to the recovery process.

That said, there is also the question of what pain medication to take. Depending on your pain tolerance, you may be prescribed non-narcotic NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or a narcotic drug such as oxycodone or percocet. We encourage you to take the least potent medication that is also effective. Remember, short term use of narcotic drugs can lead to impairment when driving or using machinery and over the long-term, can lead to a greater risk of dependence.

Please speak to our medical team in an open and candid way to make sure that you receive the very best pain management possible. With your help, we aim to make your post-surgical experience as smooth and comfortable and we can.