When you’re preparing to undergo surgery you’re likely to feel a mix of emotions: excitement at the prospect of improved health, anticipation of recovery, and nervousness about any surgical complications.
While it’s natural to anticipate some level of pain after surgery, how do you know if what you’re feeling is an expected part of the healing process or a sign of a potential problem? Read on for our tips to better understand and deal with post-surgery pain.
Understanding Normal Post-Operative Pain
Immediately following surgery, you will almost certainly experience some degree of pain as a natural physiological response to tissue trauma. Typically, this post-surgery pain is:
- Located at the surgical site (e.g. incision site, muscles or tissues affected)
- A dull ache, throbbing, or soreness that gradually decreases in intensity over time
- Responsive to prescribed pain medication
The healing process is dynamic, and while discomfort will be present, it should steadily improve rather than worsen. If you’re wondering how long pain should last after surgery, your surgical team should be able to provide guidance based on your specific condition.
Red Flags: When Post-Surgical Pain Becomes a Concern
Certain signs and symptoms should prompt immediate concern about your post-surgery pain and could require prompt medical attention. Pay close attention if you experience:
- Sudden increases or spikes in pain intensity, especially after an initial period of improvement
- Loss of effectiveness in prescribed pain medication (e.g. you need to take it more frequently than advised without adequate relief)
- New or unusual types of pain (e.g. sharp, shooting, burning, or tingling pain distant from the surgical site)
- Signs of infection (e.g. redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or foul-smelling discharge around the incision site)
- A sustained fever, especially if accompanied by chills
- New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness in a limb or area not previously affected by your condition
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Why Unusual Post-Surgical Pain Needs Immediate Attention
Unusual or escalating post-surgery pain can indicate various surgical complications that require prompt diagnosis and intervention. These might include an infection at the surgical site, nerve damage that could lead to long-term neurological issues, or a haematoma (collection of blood).
Prompt evaluation and treatment is critical to prevent potential surgical complications from worsening and ensure that the healing process can continue without further hindrance. Ignoring these warning signs not only prolongs your discomfort but can also lead to more serious health problems and a significantly longer recovery period.
Explaining your pain to medical staff
A pain scale like the one pictured above can help when seeking medical treatment. Describing your pain using words like "stabbing," "burning," or "crushing" can also help improve understanding with medical staff, and may help with diagnosis.
Managing Post-Surgical Pain
Remember, your recovery journey is unique, and seeking help is crucial for optimal healing.
Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon or general practitioner if you experience any of the "red flag" symptoms mentioned above or if you simply feel that your pain after surgery is not progressing as expected. It's always better to be cautious and seek medical advice, even if it turns out to be nothing serious.
If your pain becomes complex or deviates from the expected healing process, contact The Pain Clinic to book a consultation with our pain specialist in Singapore. Our specialists are adept at identifying and treating various types of post-operative pain, such as nerve pain or persistent inflammation, to complement the care provided by your surgeon. We can provide personalised pain management options to help you achieve pain relief and restore your quality of life.