This video explains how to manage your pain with pain medications after your surgery or procedure.
This video will help you learn how to use pain medications to manage your pain after surgery while you're at home.
After surgery, it's normal to have some pain or discomfort. The length of time each person has pain or discomfort varies.
You may still have some pain when you leave the hospital, so your doctor will give you a prescription for pain medication before you go home.
If you're taking prescription pain medication at home, follow your doctor's instructions and take it as needed.
Pain medication should help you resume your normal activities. If you're doing exercises to help you recover from your surgery, take enough pain medication to do them comfortably.
Call your doctor's office if the medication doesn't relieve your pain.
Keep track of when you take your pain medication. Pain medication works best 30 to 45 minutes after you take it, so it's best to take it when the pain first begins. It won't work as well if you wait until the pain gets worse.
Do not drive or drink alcohol while you're taking prescription pain medication.
As your surgical cut heals, you'll have less pain and need less pain medication. You can then take a mild pain reliever like acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, or ibuprofen, such as Advil.
Make sure not to take more than the amount directed on the bottle, or as instructed by your doctor or nurse. Taking too much acetaminophen can harm your liver.
Sometimes, pain medication can cause constipation, which is having fewer bowel movements than what's normal for you.
For information about constipation and how to prevent it, search for constipation on our website, www.mskcc.org/pe, or ask your healthcare provider.
If you have any questions about using pain medications after your surgery, call your doctor's office.
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