Why Is Pain Control Important After Surgery?

R.N. Kedziera answers the question: 'Why is pain control important?'

ByABC News
September 24, 2007, 3:44 PM

— -- Question: Why is pain control important after surgery?

Answer: Well, you have to remember that surgery, you are cutting through tissue and nerves. Each person will have a different amount of pain. The first thing you have to do is report that pain appropriately. Don't be a martyr. Just tell your team what's going on. The health care team can provide you with an assortment of different pain medicines and modalities to help you control that pain. It's important. You need healing quickly. You want to be able to deep breaths, walk, move that arm. Pain control is critical to having those activities done in an appropriate fashion.

Next: If I Have A History of Drug or Alcohol Abuse, Can I Still Get Good Pain Control?

Previous: Is Pain Expected After Breast Cancer Surgery?