Hearing your doctor utter the words "We’re going to have to operate" can send a shiver down your spine. Immediately, questions about the seriousness of your condition, the procedure itself, and the likelihood that it will provide a long lasting cure flood the mind. Then, there is the prospect of post-surgery pain. How badly is this going to hurt?
The bad news is that some pain is an inevitable companion to most types of surgery. The good news is that there are many highly effective medications to keep post-surgical pain under control. In addition to the benefit of greater comfort, experts say well-controlled pain can speed recovery and prevent long-term problems. As well as medication, other pain relief methods such as massage, meditation and cold/heat are available.
In order to make sure you’re getting the best possible treatment for your post-surgical pain, experts advise taking an active role and keeping the channels of communication open between you and your doctor -- starting before your operation.
