Having undergone ten major surgical procedures and twenty major injuries, I can identify with pain.
There are several things that can be done to lessen pain. Pain control is much more than just taking pain pills.
Be aware that you can lessen your pain. Feel free that you can discuss your pain.
1. Elevation. The involved extremity must be elevated. That means keeping your hand at heart level.
2. Frequent ice application. Ice does act like a local anesthetic and helps
keep down swelling. Never apply ice directly on the skin. Apply twenty
minutes at a time. This can be repeated as much as needed- twenty minutes
on and
twenty minutes off.
3. Medication:
a. Vioxx is one of the new class of cox-2 anti-inflammatories. The medication
has a pain relief component. It is superior to such medications as ibuprofen
because it generally does not upset the stomach and does not affect bleeding.
Only one dose per day is needed. For surgical procedures start the medication
two days before your procedure The dose for adults is 50mg. On the day
of surgery, take a dose with a very small sip of water when you get up.
Take
one dose for five days after the surgery. If pain is not a factor, the
medication may be stopped earlier. With injuries, start the Vioxx as
soon as possible.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies will not cover this medication.
If you are not covered, the cost for seven doses is money well spent.
b. Extra strength Tylenol. 1000 mg each four hours while awake. This can be continued for five days. IF YOU HAVE LIVER OR KIDNEY DISEASE, PLEASE DISCUSS THIS PROGRAM WITH ME. DO NOT START THIS PROGRAM UNTIL YOU HAVE DISCUSSED IT WITH ME.
c. You will also be given additional narcotic medication that can be used
if needed. The need for narcotics can be greatly reduced if you follow this
program.
picture posted by permission
This is an actual patient in the recovery room. He is not having much pain. Generous amount of a long acting local anesthetic have been placed in the surgical site. This is administered in the operating room before the anesthetic is stopped. Pain can be controlled.
You may also be interested in fellow colleague Dr. Nelson's Pain Study.