There are many types of pain medication that can be administered for post operative pain relief. It is important to inform your Anaesthetist if you are taking regular pain medication prior to your operation so he/she can adjust the amount of medication required in the post operative phase.
Your anaesthetist will tailor your pain relief to accommodate your needs.
These options may include one of the following:
Continuous Epidural Analgesia-
A continuous epidural infusion involves the following:
A fine catheter is inserted into the epidural space that delivers a local anaesthetic and (opioid) pain medication. This combination of drugs is designed to temporarily numb the nerves that carry pain signals to the brain and also decrease your perception of pain. This can assist you in the first few days after the operation by enabling you to move and cough with less discomfort.
Possible side effects of epidural analgesia:
Whilst the epidural is insitu the local anaesthetic and opioid may cause:
- Light headiness
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty passing urine
- Heavy feeling in your legs
- Drowsiness
- Itching
If these effects are too unpleasant, or the epidural is not working, please inform the nursing staff immediately so they can contact your anaesthetist.
The nursing staff caring for you will monitor your blood pressure, temperature, pulse and oxygen level. They will also ask you questions that indicate how effective your pain control is, like:
Can you feel your legs and lift them off the bed?
The nursing staff will also assist you to roll on your side so they can visually inspect the epidural catheter site. Your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored continuously.
Each hospital has its own policy on epidural management for nursing staff.
Please note:
Inform the nursing staff to contact the Doctor immediately if you cannot lift your legs or they feel numb. Never attempt to get out of bed without assistance.
Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA)
Another form of pain relief is a Patient Controlled Analgesic Pump (PCA). Patient controlled analgesia is exactly as it sounds, pain relief controlled by you, the patient. The desired drug (chosen by your anaesthetist) is drawn up into a bag or syringe pump that is connected to your intravenous access line directly into your vein. The pump has a handset attached to it that is placed around your wrist or within easy access. Pushing the button can activate the handset and pain relief will be administered, as you require.
The medication is administered intravenously and therefore will take only 5-10 minutes to take effect. This system has a safety lockout mode that is designed to stop you from accidentally administering too much medication that could compromise your health.
It is important to inform relatives and friends that they must NOT press the button for you, as this could lead to you receiving too much medication and may cause unpleasant side effects.
If you know that you are just about to endure physiotherapy or other activities that cause discomfort, you can press the button to make sure you have adequate pain control prior to the event.
The Patient Controlled Analgesia Pump is fully transportable and has a battery system that enables you to mobilise post operatively.
Possible side effects of Patient Controlled Analgesia Pump:
The pump administers opioid and possible side effects of these drugs may include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vivid dreams
- Itching
- Difficulty passing urine
Please inform the nursing staff if you are experiencing any of these effects.
