Tell us about your pain
Tell your healthcare provider if you are in pain. Remember, it is:
- OK to ask for pain relief
- easier to manage pain early.
Know your pain
To help manage your pain early, tell us:
- where the pain is
- when it is worst
- what makes it better and worse
- how it feels, such as sharp, dull, stabbing or burning
- how much pain you are in when resting and moving — try using the pain scale of 0 no pain to 10 worst pain possible.
Pain medicines
We may not be able to take away all your pain but can help you manage it. If you are taking pain medicines, ask:
- do I need them
- how they work and how to take them
- about side effects and how to manage them.
Paracetamol (such as Panadol®, Paracare®) is good by itself for mild pain. For stronger pain it is given regularly and will help reduce the amount of stronger pain medicines you might need. Strong pain medicines can only be prescribed by a doctor and include:
- tramadol
- codeine
- oxycodone
- morphine.
Paracetamol is not addictive, but strong pain medicines can be. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns about this.
Tablets or liquids are the most common and easy way to take medicines. Sometimes an injection or drip may be used — ask your nurse if this is right for you.
Other ways to help manage your pain could include:
- special ways of moving or coughing
- breathing techniques
- music.
Side effects
Pain medicines are effective but can also cause side effects. To help reduce these, let us know if you:
- use other medicines at home
- are allergic to any medicines.
Some side effects you need tell your healthcare provider include if you:
- have not pooed (had a bowel motion) in the last 24 hours
- have darker than usual poos
- are feeling sick (nausea) or throwing up (vomiting)
- have things that look like coffee grounds come out when you throw up
- feel more sleepy or dizzy than usual.
Prepare for home
Before you leave hospital make sure you ask:
- how much pain you can expect
- when should it get better
- how long you should be on pain medication
- what you can do to reduce pain
- about any symptoms or side effects you need to watch out for and what to do if you get them.
You will generally get a prescription for 3 to 5 days of pain medication when you leave hospital. Talk to your main healthcare provider if your pain continues.