At first, you may be given pain medicine through an intravenous (IV) catheter or by injection. Expect to feel some pain, even with the medicine. This is normal. But if the medicine does not reduce your pain to a tolerable level, be sure to tell the nurse. The nurse will ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst of all pains. If your pain is 5 or greater and difficult to tolerate, ask for pain medicine.

With PCA (patient-controlled analgesia), pain medicine is sent through your IV line at the push of a button. To provide a steady level of pain relief, only you should push the button. For your safety, the pumps have special features to limit the amount of medicine you receive. Once you are able to eat and tolerate taking medicine by mouth, you will be taken off your PCA pump and given oral pain medicine as prescribed by your doctor.

You may begin to walk within hours after surgery. This reduces some risks of surgery, such as blood clots. With an IV and a PCA pump in place, walking may be a little tricky. But don’t worry. A healthcare provider will help you. Ask for help from your healthcare provider before trying to get up on your own without help, especially if you have been taking pain medicine.

Fluid can collect in the lungs after any surgery. To clear your lungs and prevent pneumonia, breathe deeply and cough. You should do this often—at least a few times each hour. A respiratory therapist or nurse may show you how to use an incentive spirometer. This machine can help you breathe in and out the right way.