Medicines are not the only way to ease pain after surgery. Try these methods instead of pain medicine or to lower the amount of pain medicine you need.
Visualization or guided imagery
Visualization helps take your mind off the pain:
-
Close your eyes. Breathe deeply.
-
Picture yourself in a quiet, peaceful place.
-
Imagine how you feel in that place.
-
If other thoughts come into your mind, take a deep breath and try again.
Progressive body relaxation
Relaxation helps ease stress and pain:
-
Close your eyes. Clench your foot muscles.
-
Hold for a few seconds. Release.
-
Repeat with the muscles in your calves.
-
Work slowly up your body. Tense and relax different muscle groups from your belly, chest, arms, neck, and face.
Deep breathing
Deep breathing relaxes your whole body:
-
Inhale through your nose slowly and deeply.
-
Hold your breath for a few seconds.
-
Exhale through your mouth slowly and deeply.
-
Repeat 3 more times.
Orthopedics CTA
Find a DoctorRelated Articles
Pain Management After Surgery
It's normal to expect a certain amount of pain after surgery, but if the pain does not subside with pain medicine, you may have a more serious problem. Your doctors and nurses will ask about your pain because they want you to be comfortable.
Submandibular Gland Excision
Submandibular gland excision surgery removes the gland to relieve blockage. It also treats cancer and helps to prevent its spread.
Post-Surgery Checklist
After surgery, there are steps you can take to help with your recovery. You may have been an inpatient (staying in the hospital overnight) or an outpatient (going home the day of surgery). While in the hospital, it is important to follow directions from your surgeon, nurse, and other health care providers.
Discharge Instructions: Caring for Your Jackson-Pratt Drainage Tube
Doctors commonly leave this drain within the abdominal cavity after surgery. It helps prevent swelling and reduces the risk for infection. The tube is held in place by a few stitches. It is covered with a bandage. Your doctor will remove the drain when he or she determines you no longer need it.
