Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Dr. Rowan Molnar | #DrRowanMolnar: Post surgery pain management


Modern pain medications and anaesthesia are designed to alleviate severe pain after surgery and help the body heal. Every patient is undoubtedly concerned about post surgical pain. While some pain and discomfort is inevitable post surgery, careful monitoring by the anaesthetist and well controlled pain medications can ensure a speedy healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Discuss pain control with your doctor
According to Dr. Rowan Molnar (#DrRowanMolnar), Staff Specialist Anaesthetist at Launceston General Hospital says it is extremely important for any patient to discuss post surgical pain relief and medications with their anaesthetist. This helps them prepare for more effective short and long term pain management. Most importantly it is vital to discuss any previous experiences with pain and pass on information of what types of pain relievers you have used in the past. This includes over the counter and prescription medications as well. Those who have chronic pain may be less sensitive to pain medication and must therefore play an active role in keeping their doctor informed so that a pain management plan can be implemented post surgery.

Balancing the benefits and risks
Dr. Rowan Molnar (#DrRowanMolnar) also stresses the importance of being straightforward when it comes to alcohol or drug use. Anyone patient who is to undergo surgery and is a recovering alcoholic or has a history of addiction must be honest with their doctor in order to reduce the risk of relapse and plan for maximum pain control. As a patient everyone has the right to relay their concerns about pain medications to their doctor. Pain management post surgery is about balancing the benefits and risks at each point during and after surgery.

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