It is normal to feel some discomfort after surgery. This is your body's way of saying, "This area is healing, take care."
Trying to take away all discomfort with strong medicines is not possible without causing serious side effects. These medicines (like opioids) can help, but if used too much they can also cause nausea, constipation, trouble breathing, or confusion.
This is why your health care team focuses on function - using different types of medications and other strategies to make sure you can do the things you need to do to recover, such as:
- Breathe deeply
- Do your exersices or physiotherapy
- Get up and move
- Rest and sleep
These activities are the most important part of recovery and are the goal of pain management.
How Do We Know Who Needs More Support?
Some people are at higher risk of having pain or discomfort that is harder to manage after surgery. This can happen if you already live with chronic pain, if you take opioid medicines regularly, or if you have had challenges with pain control in the past. Your health care team may give you extra information and ask you questions so they can make a plan that is right for you.
What Can You Do Before Surgery?
Tell your health care team about your health history, medicines you take, and any worries you have about managing discomfort. Together, you will make a safe plan.
Access Free Online Resources
- Managing Pain Before and After Surgery - free online self-directed course from Pain Canada
- Empowered Relief - free online class teaching ways to manage discomfort
- Power Over Pain Portal - collection of tools and education
- Coaching for Health - free one-on-one telephone coaching for people living with chronic pain
- Gentle Movement at Home - free video series on YouTube by Pain BC
Access Specialized Pain Care
The options below require a referral from your health care provider.
- Mind-Space - online group programs for mental health, sleep, and coping with pain
- Chronic Pain Clinics - for people with daily discomfort lasting more than 3 months
- Transitional Pain Clinics - short-term programs to help with comfort before and after surgery (available for surgeries in Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health)
Meet With Your Anesthesiologist
An anesthesiologist is a doctor that helps with comfort and safety during and after surgery. Before surgery, you might meet with one to:
- Plan how to manage discomfort during and after surgery
- Learn about options besides opioid medicines
- Understand what to expect in recovery
If you need more support to stay functional and comfortable while healing from surgery, your health care team is here to help. Together you can plan ahead and find the right tools.
Where to Learn More
Visit Pain BC or Pain Canada to access free resources for pain management.