Post operative pain relief
Post-operative pain relief (analgesia) is important and helps to prevent post-operative complications. I recommend taking ‘simple’ analgesia (‘pain killers') and adding opiate (morphine-like) analgesia if needed in addition.
‘Simple’ analgesia:
Paracetamol
1g up to four times a day
Very safe at this dose, but do not exceed this dose
Ibuprofen
400mg up to 3 or 4 times a day, do not exceed this
Makes some people with asthma wheezy, avoid if this is the case
Can cause stomach ulcers and kidney problems, best avoided if over 65 yrs old or if you have kidney or ulcer problems
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are available over the counter, without a prescription. The cheap versions are the same as the versions in shiny packets (such as Nurofen), just cheaper!
Opiate (morphine-like) pain relief can be taken in addition to the above if needed.
The opiate drugs are usually good pain killers but can have unwanted side effects including constipation, drowsiness and sickness (nausea and vomiting). Therefore best taken only if needed in addition to 'simple' pain relief options and at the lowest dose needed.
Opiate (morphine-like) analgesia:
Codeine
30-60mg up to four times a day, do not exceed
Often prescribed in combination with paracetamol (Co-codamol or co-dydramol)
Dihydrocodeine
30mg up to four times a day, do not exceed
Tramadol
50-100mg up to four times a day, do not exceed
Morphine
Either by mouth or injection following major surgery
Other analgesia may also be recommended before, during or after your anaesthetic
Gabapentin
Clonidine
Ketamine
Lidocaine infusions