Pain is a very individualized experience for each patient. In general, the sternum is a relatively dull area of the body, having few nerve endings. Most patients who have had a standard open chest approach often complain of aching around the sternal incision and generalized discomfort that centers between the shoulder blades after surgery. Pain medication is readily available and patients are encouraged to take it as needed.

One possibility is to see a pain specialist. A certified pain doctor will perform a thorough examination to determine the exact cause of your pain and may recommend therapies such as acupuncture, trigger point injections, over the counter medications, or prescription medications. Unfortunately, neuropathic pain - pain caused by damage to a nerve - can be very difficult to treat. Anti-seizure drugs, like Neurontin, work for some people but can have strong side effects.

Every attempt is made to control pain after surgery to make it possible for you to move about quickly and become active. This helps avoid problems and speeds recovery. Often several drugs are used together to help manage your post-surgery pain. While you are still in the hospital, a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA), which allows you to give yourself a dose of pain medicine on demand, may be used by your physician.

Use the sitz bath to keep the area hydrated the first week or so, as instructed by the nurses at the hospital. Use a "ring" or orthopedic inner tube to sit on or a pillow under your hips when lying on your back. Sometimes, intermittent application of ice initially helps to reduce the pain and swelling.

This is a good question and it is not an easy one to answer because there are so many variables to consider. For example, your age, your weight, how long you have put up with the discomfort, ( the longer you leave a problem sometimes the harder it is to get rid of it.) and not to forget the types of footwear that you wear can be a contributing to your discomfort.

Many people think bariatric surgery will be followed by a long and painful recovery period. However, most patients report experiencing only discomfort and soreness rather than pain. Recovery does, however, vary from patient to patient. Click here for more information about recovering from bariatric surgery. Back to Top

Tolerance to pain is an individual matter. Some experience it as an ache, while others experience greater discomfort. Most eyelid surgery patients have minimal discomfort post-operatively. You will be prescribed the appropriate pain medications which will help minimize the discomfort. Frequently, mild analgesics, like acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol), is sufficient to relieve the discomfort. There will be temporary discomfort, tightness of the eyelids, swelling and bruising.

Postoperative pain control is an important focus for us at Hospital for Special Surgery. Your anesthesiologist plays an essential role in planning and maintaining your comfort during and after your surgery. Surgery in general and orthopedic surgery specifically results in postoperative pain. In order to eliminate all pain after surgery would require complete anesthesia, which would prevent you from recovering and rehabilitating.

The pain after endoscopic surgery can usually be controlled with similar types of medications that are used in non-endoscopic spinal correction.

Many patients report implant surgery less troublesome than having an impacted wisdom tooth removed. With modern anesthesia and close attention to post operative care you can expect minimal discomfort.

Although your doctor will prescribe any specific pain medication that your child will need, usually Motrin will be enough to calm the discomfort from this type of surgery. You can also place a bag of ice wrapped in a towel directly over the wound, and it is useful to sleep with a pillow under the heel.

After surgery you will be given a pain medication with one to two refills, and finally Darvocet with one refill, as needed. You will also be given Celebrex for the first 2 weeks and longer if you are having pain or stiffness.