How will I manage pain after heart surgery?
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If your doctor did not prescribe a pain medication prior to discharge, Extra Strength Tylenol is an effective painkiller for pain around your incisions or your chest. If Tylenol does not control the pain or the pain becomes more severe or happens more often, call your surgeon or your cardiologist.
If your doctor did not prescribe a pain medication prior to discharge, Extra Strength Tylenol is an effective painkiller for pain around your incisions or your chest. If Tylenol does not control the pain or the pain becomes more severe or... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:Pain management is an important part of your treatment after open heart surgery. You'll feel better and may recover more quickly from surgery if your pain is controlled.
Pain is a personal experience that is unique for each person. Your healthcare provider will regularly ask you to rate your level of pain, usually on a 0 to 10 scale -- 0 for no pain, 10 for the worst pain.
Together, you will agree on a comfort goal. A comfort goal is a level of pain that is tolerable and allows you to participate in other important parts of your recovery, like deep breathing and walking.
There are many kinds of pain medication -- and many ways to take it. At first you'll probably receive your pain medication through an IV. Your IV may even be attached to a pump that allows you to control your own pain medication with the touch of a button. Later on, you'll probably use pills to manage your pain.
Before you go home, your healthcare providers will go over a pain treatment plan with you, including how to gradually reduce the dosage and frequency of pain medication as you recover.Pain management is an important part of your treatment after open heart surgery. You'll feel better and may recover more quickly from surgery if your pain is controlled.Pain is a personal experience that is unique for each person. Your healthcare... More
