Which painkillers are prescribed after surgery?
February 10, 2023 | 70,00 EUR | answered by Ludwig Kroll
Dear Doctor,
My name is Gertrud Seiler and I recently had surgery. I am experiencing severe pain and I am wondering what pain medications can be prescribed to me after the operation to alleviate the pain.
The surgery I underwent was a abdominal operation in which part of my intestine was removed. The procedure went well, but since then I have been experiencing intense pain in the surgical area. These pains are affecting my daily life and making it difficult for me to move and eat normally.
I am concerned that the pain may not improve and could have a negative impact on my recovery. Therefore, I am wondering which pain medications could help alleviate the pain and support my healing process.
I would therefore like to request your expertise and recommendation regarding appropriate pain medications that can be prescribed after a surgery like mine. I would like to know which pain medications are most effective, what side effects they could have, and how long I should take them.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Gertrud Seiler
Dear Mrs. Seiler,
Thank you for your inquiry and trust in my expertise. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing severe pain after your abdominal surgery. It is important that these pains are appropriately treated to not hinder your recovery.
After an abdominal surgery like the one you have undergone, painkillers are usually prescribed to alleviate postoperative pain. There are different types of pain medications that can be used in such cases. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, weak opioids like Tramadol, and strong opioids like Morphine.
For the treatment of postoperative pain, a combination of different pain medications is usually prescribed to ensure optimal pain relief. These medications can be administered in the form of tablets, capsules, injections, or infusions, depending on the severity of the pain and individual needs.
It is important that you take the prescribed pain medication regularly and as recommended by the doctor to achieve constant pain relief. It may also be helpful to take the pain medication before meals to avoid stomach discomfort.
It is also important that you inform your doctor of any side effects you notice while taking the pain medication. Possible side effects of painkillers include nausea, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, and respiratory depression with strong opioids. If you notice severe side effects, you should consult your doctor immediately.
The duration of taking the pain medication depends on the type of surgery, the severity of the pain, and your individual healing process. Typically, the pain medication is prescribed for a limited time and can then be gradually reduced as the pain subsides.
I strongly recommend that you discuss your pain with your treating doctor and work together to create an individualized treatment plan. Your doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate pain medication for you and support you during your recovery.
I hope that my response helps you with your question and wish you a speedy recovery.
Best regards,
Ludwig Kroll
