Patient Education Colorectal Cancer: Your Care and Recovery | Page 29
Ways to Treat Your Pain
There are three options for treating pain after surgery. Each method has
benefits and side effects. You and your surgeon will decide which one is
best for you. The options are:
• Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) — Analgesia means pain relief. This
type of pain control uses a special pump that is connected to your IV.
The pump continuously gives you a set dose of pain medication. You
can also give yourself extra pain medication as you need it by pushing a
button. The system has safeguards to prevent you from getting too much
medication.
• Epidural Analgesia — If you use this method, a doctor will insert a small
plastic tube into your back while you are still in the operating room. Pain
medication is injected into this tube to bathe the spinal cord nerves. A
pump is used to give a constant dose of pain medication.
• Oral Medication (Pain Pills) — After you are able to eat and drink for
8 hours, oral pain medication is usually used. For people who cannot
swallow pills, there are liquid and other forms available.
Common Side Effects of Pain Medication
Tell your nurse if you have any of these side effects or other symptoms of
concern:
• Nausea or Vomiting — Sometimes patients are nauseated after surgery or
when taking pain medication. If this happens to you, be sure to let your
nurse know. Your surgeon will order medication for nausea if you need
it.
• Sedation — Some pain medication may make you feel very drowsy or
sedated. The nursing staff will check on you often to make sure you are
safe.
• Dizziness — Sometimes after being in bed, having surgery, and taking
pain medications, you may feel dizzy when you attempt to get out of bed.
A staff member will be present the first time you get up. Sit on the edge
for a few minutes before standing. If you continue to feel dizzy while
sitting, call for help. You may fall if you get up by yourself.
• Constipation — Pain medication affects your bowels by slowing them
down. Getting up and walking as soon as you are able is most helpful.
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