Lung surgery: Recovery time and pain management

Pain Management and Medication After Lung Surgery; - A Patient’ Guide

The post-operative pain is usually due to bone and muscle aches, but by the time you were discharged from the hospital it should be mild to moderate. If you use your medications as prescribed, it will diminish to minimal by the time of your follow up appointment.

Pain management is very important for your successful recovery. You will have many advantages. You will;-feel and heal better-enjoy greater comfort-start to exercise and walk sooner-avoid complications like blood clots and pneumonia

Where will I feel pain?Shortly after surgery, it will be around the incision site, test tubes and chest area. Later, it may be uncomfortable if you try to sit up, move or walk.At first after anesthesia your pain will be monitored by receiving medication through IV and later in form of pills.

Pain RatingTo provide you with maximal comfort, medical staff will monitor you carefully by frequently checking on you. After you tell them ratio of your pain, they will provide you with adequate medication in consistency with the level of your discomfort.Later, you will take medication yourself, as prescribed in your home. If you notice any undesired side effects, or level of your pain is too high, you should contact your doctor immediately.Some of side effects can be dizziness and constipation.You should make sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions about frequency of use of medications. Follow the instructions about storage of medications, and recommended changes in a way of life while recovering, and take the pain medication with you, where ever you go, leaving home or travelling.

There are some other things that you can use as alternatives to pain medications, such as pillows, heating pads, surgical bra (for women), and some special ways of exercises, of which information can be provided by your doctor.

Information About Pain Medication

Morphine and FentanylMorphine and Fentanyl are used immediately after surgery to control severe pain. Side effects can be nausea drowsiness and sometimes constipation. (Aleve),(Vioxx),(Celebrex) Ibuprofen (Advil),Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduces swelling and inflammation and will manage moderate pain associated with swelling. Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are available without a prescription. Vioxx and Celebrex require a prescription. Side effects include stomach upset. They should not be taken if you have heart failure, kidney problems,or ulcers.

Datocet, Percocet, Tylenol #3Used at home, these drugs are very effective for mild to moderate pain. Side Effects include drowsiness and upset stomach.

Feverall Tylenol, Controls moderate pain. Rarely interacts with other medications. Easily tolerated by most patients. Side effects inlcude more than is prescribed can cause problems with liver.