Pain after surgery
Date issued: May 2025
For review: May 2027
Ref: C-533/RV/Anaesthetics/Pain after surgery v2
PDF: Pain after surgery.pdf [pdf] 235KB
What can I expect after my operation?
Pain after an operation is normal and inevitable, but the amount of pain you feel varies between people. We know some things result in worse pain. Some of these are differences in the type of operation and some are differences between people. For example, those who have experienced long term pain before surgery, have problems with their mental health or are already taking painkillers may experience more pain. Also, some operations cause more pain than others, and this will be considered when prescribing for you.
After an operation pain is worse than expected for about 1 in 4 people, and 1 in 3 people do not feel fully recovered after a week at home.
When you re-start normal activity, your pain might get worse for a while, but this should improve with time. If pain gets worse each day, particularly if you have a fever and your surgical site is red, hot or swollen, this might reflect a post-operative infection. If you are concerned about your wound, please contact us on 01752 431225 where you will speak to a nurse on the recovery ward (Postbridge). If needed, they will be able to direct you to a doctor for advice.
What if I have no pain because I have had a nerve block?
If you have had a nerve block for your surgery, you might not have any pain to start with, but this effect will usually wear off in 8 to 24 hours. It is important to keep taking your pain relief as described below, to reduce the amount of pain you will have when the local anaesthetic wears off. Contact us on 01752 437158 (8am - 6pm) if you have unexplained numbness for over 72 hours.
It is important to keep moving
Some operations make everyday activities difficult. Try to do a little more each day. It does not help recovery to avoid moving.
Other ways of managing pain
We all know that pain can feel worse if we are tense or stressed. Try not to focus on your pain, slow controlled breathing or other relaxation techniques may help. Physical methods like warmth, cold or gentle massage or movement may help. Lifting the affected part up may also help with swelling and pain.
Pain relief medication
Please make sure you have a supply of paracetamol and ibuprofen at home.
Day 1 to 7
Paracetamol
Take 1g (2 tablets) 4 times a day equally spaced (for example: 0700, 1200, 1700, 2200). If you weigh less than 8 stones or 50kg you may be asked to take one tablet only. You may continue paracetamol for up to 14 days. This is usually the last tablet to stop.
Anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen, naproxen or celecoxib)
Anti-inflammatory medications work by reducing inflammation (swelling) and pain after surgery. These are the most effective type of pain relief. Remember to take these tablets with food to reduce the risk of stomach problems.
Ibuprofen 2 tablets 4 times a day (400mg 4 times a day)
OR
Celecoxib 1 tablet twice a day (100mg 2 times a day)
OR
Naproxen 1 tablet twice a day (500mg 2 times a day)
If you are given naproxen or celecoxib, please DO NOT take ibuprofen as well.
You might be prescribed a medicine to help protect your stomach, take this daily while you are taking an anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen, naproxen or celecoxib).
When you feel you can function well enough, stop the anti-inflammatory (stop by day 7).
Day 1 to 5
Opioids (dihydrocodeine, sevredol, oxycodone)
You might be prescribed an opioid – these drugs are to be used sparingly. You will be prescribed 14 tablets to take when you need to. Only take an opioid if you have already taken the other medicines prescribed and pain is stopping you from carrying out daily activities. You can take a maximum of one tablet spaced out 4 times a day. You should not use opioids beyond day 5.
When you have run out of opioid tablets, there is no benefit in taking more.
Risks and benefits of opioids:
Opioids can help with short-term pain after surgery or injury. They work in about 1 in 4 people. They have side effects like drowsiness, nausea and constipation. You cannot drive when taking opioids. We only prescribe a short course of opioids, because they can cause problems such as tolerance, dependence and addiction.
The risk of long-term use increases if you are taking opioids beyond day 5 after surgery or if you have been exposed to opioids before surgery. Long term opioid use does not improve pain, function or satisfaction with pain relief.
Please return any unused opioid tablets to your local pharmacy.
What to do to get help with pain after surgery:
We know that about 1 in 5 people seek help with pain relief after surgery. It is best to get in touch with the hospital where your surgery was carried out. We can be contacted on 01752 431225 where you will speak to a nurse on the recovery ward (Postbridge) at Derriford Hospital. Do not use other people’s medications for pain relief.
