Pain relief after minor surgery and during home recovery

Your doctor will provide you with instructions for general post-surgical care, such as rest, ice packs, rehabilitative exercises and wound care. Ask to have written instructions to bring home with you.

For minor surgeries these instructions may be the primary means for pain management. After major surgery, they will help you with a more comfortable transition off medication.

You will likely switch to oral pain medications before leaving the hospital and continue to take them at home to manage pain. You will probably take a combination of drugs in pill form, which may include the following:

• Opioids
• Acetaminophen
• NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen

Be sure to understand what active ingredient is in each pain medication, what the appropriate dose is, and how frequently to take your medication. Also ask your doctor about possible interactions with over-the-counter drugs you might use, such as cold medicine, or other prescription medications or supplements you regularly take.