Post-Op Pain Control
Post-op Pain Control
After you have had an operation, you will have approximately 1.5 – 2 hours before the local anæsthetic wears off. For effective pain relief, you would want to have taken your painkillers within that time, so that they have started to work before the anæsthetic has worn off.
Do not take any ASPIRIN for pain relief as this is likely to make you bleed that much more.
The type of painkiller you should take is dependent on your medical history & the ease with which the procedure was carried out.
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS READ THE INSTRUCTION LEAFLET THAT COMES WITH THE PAINKILLERS.
All these painkillers can be bought Over The Counter. Brand-name drugs are more expensive than generic drugs.
Moderate Pain:
Paracetamol + Ibuprofen 0.5 – 1g & 200 – 400mg taken every 4 – 6 hours
Brand names include Nuromol.
Codeine + Ibuprofen 2 tablets every 8 hours
Brand names include Nurofen Plus & Solpaflex.
Codeine + Paracetamol 2 tablets every 8 hours
Brand names include Solpadeine, Paracodol, Solpadol & Kapake.
Mild Pain:
Paracetamol 0.5 – 1g taken every 4 – 6 hours
Ibuprofen 200 – 400mg taken every 4 – 6 hours
Brand names include Nurofen, Cuprofen & Advil.
The ‘soluble’, ‘effervescent’, ‘liquid’ and the ‘lysine’ variants of these painkillers are absorbed into the body more quickly and hence work that much faster.
Severe Pain:
Codeine-Paracetamol + Ibuprofen
For the painkillers to be effective, they should be taken regularly. Do not wait for them to wear off.
The painkillers should be taken for at least 2 – 3 days. After about 3 or so days, the operated area should be starting to settle down.
You then may be able to take less painkillers and less often.