Heart surgery and the pain management you need

Heart surgery and the pain management you need

Heart surgery is a serious operation, it's nothing you don't already know, right? After all, you wouldn't be reading this right now if you or someone you know wasn't facing heart surgery. And you are probably curious about how painful this will be during and after, and you should know that it will be quite painful. But your doctor will give you pain management before discharge.

However, at the time of discharge, your pain will be at a mild to moderate level, because if it is not, your doctor will most likely not discharge you. When you go home, you will be prescribed painkillers. Be sure to take these as directed. This is prescribed to help you get up and move. Don't worry about becoming addicted to it as long as you take it as directed.

Then, when your follow-up appointment comes, your pain level will be at a minimal level by then. There are patients who have expressed concern about chest and shoulder pain, which alerts them that it could be angina. This is understandable and you should not hesitate to see your doctor if you experience this pain.

However, this is usually nothing more than aching bones and muscles. However, don't be afraid to call your doctor! Better safe than sorry.

Effective painkillers will help you heal faster and more comfortably. This medication that will be prescribed to you will also minimize possible complications. Believe it or not, you will get up quickly because your doctors will teach you breathing exercises from a physical therapist. These exercises will regain your strength sooner and they are also good for pain management.

Where will the pain be felt?

During your recovery period, you will experience burning, pain, or pressure in your chest and especially around the injection site while the tubes are still in place. When the doctor and nurse remove the chest tubes, you will have some discomfort and it will be painful when you start to move and when you cough, sit up and walk.

You will also have pain in other areas. Your throat will be scratchy and sore from the breathing tube that was inserted during your surgery. If the doctor took an artery or vein from other areas of your body, you will have pain there too. And you will have some pain and stiffness from lying down during your surgery and while you were in the intensive care unit. Again, your doctor will prescribe painkillers and treatments to relieve the discomfort and pain.

Numbness in the incision area

Some patients have complained of temporary numbness in the arm, chest, hand, or leg where an arterial line was inserted. This is completely normal and will improve over time. For some people it can take months, for others it can only take a few weeks. This happens due to the manipulation during surgery on the nerves.

Control and monitor your pain

Once the anesthesia has worn off in the intensive care unit, you will be given pain-relieving medication through an IV line and after you are returned to your room, you will be given your pain-relieving medication in tablet form or suppository if you are unable to swallow.

Or you may be kept on an IV line for a day or two. The nursing staff will regularly check your vital signs and ask you about your pain level so that you can comfortably follow the doctor's instructions Pain therapy Medication.

Inspired by Audrey Thompson