Pain Management

Pain is an inevitable part of surgery - but it is manageable. Your nurses will check on you often to gauge your level of discomfort, but if you're experiencing pain, don't wait for their next visit. Use the call light on the bed to alert your nursing team that you need pain medication. If your current pain medication isn't helping, tell your nurse.

Don't try to tough it out. Once pain feels out of control, it actually responds less well to medication. The best time to ask for pain management is BEFORE the pain becomes too intense to handle.

Remember that fatigue decreases your tolerance for pain, so avoid becoming overtired. Pace your activities to allow for rest periods, returning to bed to rest between therapy sessions whenever possible. If you're not sleeping well at night, inform your nurse. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you sleep more comfortably.

Patient-Controlled Analgesia
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) provides optimal pain relief during the days following surgery without the use of injections. You'll intravenously receive a continual, small dose of pain medication. A small, computerized pump also allows you to self-administer an additional amount of medicine as needed. All you have to do is push a button.

You'll begin ambulation (walking) and other exercises a day or two after surgery. In most hospitals, therapy is performed twice a day. The exercises are designed to help improve circulation and maintain and increase muscle strength, and the PT will vary your ambulation distance, exercise progression and stair instruction depending on your tolerance. You may also begin occupational therapy at this time.

Your therapists may ask one of your family members to observe your therapy sessions. By helping them better understand the exercises and adaptive techniques, they'll be better able to assist you safely at home. If you're planning on going directly home after your discharge, the therapist will help your make final arrangements for necessary home equipment and home health services.

Unfortunately, therapy is likely to be initially painful. Take pain medicine 30-40 minutes BEFORE your therapy sessions. Doing so allows it to begin working before therapy starts and will improve pain control. Also take pain medication BEFORE any activities that cause discomfort such as walking, getting up into a chair, or bathing. It's important to be comfortable enough to participate in therapy and other activities that prevent complications and speed your recovery.

Body Alignment
Believe it or not, proper body alignment actually helps lessen pain. The nursing staff will help you change position and turn at frequent intervals to maximize your comfort. Don't try to turn on your own immediately following surgery, however - ask for help whenever you want to shift position. If you received a total hip replacement, you should also keep a pillow between your legs when sleeping.

Pain Medications
There are several types of anti-pain medications: narcotic and non-narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories. They can be administered through injections, in pills or via an IV tube. Your doctor may even prescribe a combination of medications for optimal results. If the medication does not successfully control your pain, alert your nurse.

The most common side effects of pain medications are an upset stomach, nausea, constipation and drowsiness. If an upset stomach is a possible side effect, always take the medication will something to eat or drink: milk, juice or crackers are ideal.

Some pain medications may cause constipation, so it's important during your hospital stay to eat and drink bowel-friendly foods. Choose HIGH FIBER foods from the hospital menu, such as leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole wheat and bran products. Fruit juices, especially prune juice, may also be helpful. It's also a good idea to drink at least 5-6 glasses of water every day. If you haven't had a bowel movement in 3 days, please inform your nurse.

Next: Prevention of Infection

Hip

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With With Wright you have options. Wright's resurfacing implant is just one part of our hip product line which allows your surgeon to implant a prosthesis that conserves bone. Wright also has specially designed minimally-invasive instruments that work within smaller incisions and allow the surgeon to cut through less muscle. Less tissue dissection and manipulation also translates to decreased post-operative pain.