Pain Control

Goal of Home Pain Control

You will be able to control pain to allow you to increase walking, to gradually increase activity level and mobility, and to follow prescribed exercise program while decreasing reliance on prescription pain medications through use of alternative measures.

It is Important to Understand:

You cannot expect to be pain free. Not moving to avoid pain will ultimately contribute to more pain.
It is okay to take medication when pain is interfering with walking, exercises or sleep. If pain is manageable or pain medication is causing ill effects, it is okay to substitute Tylenol and use alternative measures to increase comfort.

Guidelines for Use of Pain Medication:

Only take pain medications according to the directions from your doctor. Be sure that you do not exceed the number of tablets each dose or how often you can take the medication.
You should take pain medication with meals or at least with something in your stomach. Follow directions from your doctor or on the medication bottle.
Do not wait until the pain is severe. Pills take 30-45 minutes to begin to work and if the pain is severe, relief will be slower and less effective.
Use pain medication at night and before therapy as needed.
Notify your doctor if pain medication causes you to be nauseated, shaky, disoriented, unsteady when walking or causes vomiting.
Do not drink alcohol if you are taking pain medication.
Monitor your bowels. Some pain medications cause constipation, which can be avoided by drinking extra fluids, increasing activity and eating prunes or other dried fruits.
Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammitory medications until you are done with Coumadin. Your doctor may prescribe an acceptable medication if necessary.

Alternative Measures to Increase Comfort

Establish a reasonable pattern of activity without increasing pain and swelling from over doing it. You should alternate periods of activity with rest to avoid increased pain.
Get dressed every day, this makes you feel less like a patient.
Use ice as directed.
Your therapist can instruct you in positioning to relieve pain.
Gradually increase walking and other activities. Change positions frequently. Don't sit too long without moving about.
Find activities that will take your mind off surgery.
Use relaxation techniques.
Substitute Tylenol for prescription pain medication.

Medications:

As discussed more thoroughly in the Coumadin section of this website, medications help to reduce the pain after surgery. Pain-reducing medications are the mainstay of controlling your pain after surgery. A wide variety of medications are available and will be indivisualized according to your needs. The main purpose of these medications is to reduce the pain to a point where you are able to rest, perform physical therapy, talk with your family, etc. After surgery and for the first 12 to 36 hours after your surgery, you will be given injections of pain-reducing medications such as Dilaudid or Morphine. Then, when you are eating and drinking comfortably, pain pills will be substituted for the shots, such as Coumadin, Vicodin, or Lortab. Tylenol is often given for mild to moderate pain and is often given to supplement the action of other pain relievers. These medications are most commonly used because they produce excellent results with few side effects, such as nausea. However, other medications are available, if needed.

Pain Control is a Team Effort!

Communication with your nurse is most important in controlling your pain. You are part of a team of people dedicated to keeping your pain under control. Nurses will frequently ask you about your level of pain. They will give you pain medications before your therapy sessions, to help you rest comfortably and whenever you need it. Your role is to tell the nurst how well (or unwell) the pain medication is working. For example, if a pain medications is given that is supposed to last for 3 hours and you feel pain after 1 hour, please call your nurse and tell her. She may give you more medications, different medications or use other pain control techniques to help make you more comfortable. YOU are the most important partner in the control of your pain.

Other Pain Relieving Techniques:

Ice packs placed over the operated joint after exercise for 10-20 minute periods to reduce pain and swelling.
Mobility: Being out of bed and moving about helps to reduce pain and swelling sooner than staying in bed. It also helps return your bowel function to normal and prevent complications such as blood clots and pneumonia.
Positioning: Elevating the operated joint can help reduce pain and swelling. Changing positions can often promote comfort and relaxation.
Relaxation techniques and stress management: relaxes muscles, reduces pain, and enhances ability to participate in therapy.
Music therapy: Close your eyes and let you mind drift with your favorite music.
Imagery: Close your eyes to imagine yourself in a calming environment...On a tropical beach....lounging by a cozy fire...remembering your favorite vacation etc.