Tips to manage pain after surgery

Finally breaking free from the shackles of addiction can be difficult. But it’s certainly a worthwhile endeavor that every addict should aspire too. However, what happens when you sustain an injury that requires surgery? How do you deal with post-surgical pain and discomfort without relying on opioids? Does this warrant an exception? For a lot of former addicts, what begins as pain relief usually ends in tragedy. Therefore, it’s easy to see why one might have reservations about managing their pain with opioids. Even doctors aren’t sure whether it’s a good idea to prescribe pain medication to former addicts. Here’s what our experts have to say about managing pain after you’ve undergone opioid addiction treatment in Kansas City, Mo.

 

Recovery doesn’t mean no pain relief

Everyone, even those in recovery, deserves to live a life free of pain. No one is expected to be a martyr and forgo medical care. However, it’s always a good idea to start by learning and understanding the risks associated with pain management in addiction recovery. It would be unfortunate too overcome addiction, just to end up where you started. With that said, plenty of patients in recovery have successfully taken opioids without relapsing.

 

Be honest with your doctor

One of the best ways you can avoid a relapse and get the help that you deserve is by being candid with your physician about your past drug use experience. Don’t be shy about revealing anything that you may consider embarrassing or shocking. Remember, that it’s all for your benefit. This information will allow your medical team to develop a treatment plan that suits your needs. Extra monitoring and support from your medical team may be necessary if you are relatively new to recovery.

 

Suboxone treatment post operation

One question that many patients have is whether they should continue suboxone treatment after surgery. This decision is usually made on a case-by-case basis. In certain scenarios, a physician may prescribe suboxone to treat pain in opioid-dependent patients as an off-label drug. Your physician will adjust the dose based on your specific needs. You should follow your doctor’s dosing instructions precisely. In the event, you feel you need a higher dose, be sure to consult your doctor first.

 

Choose alternatives

Opioids don’t have to be your-go-to drugs after surgery. Perhaps they might be for chronic pain. But in some cases, you can do without them. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, and naproxen are excellent non-opioid medications suitable for short-term pain management. You can also opt for non-traditional treatments such as electrotherapy, acupuncture, and continuous passive motion.

 

 

Having surgery doesn’t mean you have to relapse. By working with your physician, friends, and family, you can successfully navigate the challenges of pain management while in recovery. For those looking to begin the journey to addiction recovery, we offer opioid addiction treatment in Kansas City, Mo. We deliver a comprehensive treatment program that is tailored to fit our patient’s unique needs. Contact us today to find out more about our service.