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February 10, 2012
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Pain After Surgery (cont.)

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When to Seek Medical Care

Call the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Increase in pain or pain not controlled by prescribed medications: Telling the doctor if the pain is preventing you from breathing normally, eating, walking, or sleeping, is especially important.  

  • Pain in the chest

Pain accompanied by any of the following (also if experienced without pain):

  • Fever (temperature higher than 100°F [38ºC])
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Bleeding
  • Redness, pus, or discharge from wound
Call the doctor if you are unsure of any of your postsurgery instructions.

Go to the hospital’s emergency department if you are unable to reach the doctor quickly or if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Confusion
  • Lethargy
  • Severe pain
  • Persistent symptoms
    • Vomiting
    • Fever (temperature higher than 100°F or [38ºC])
    • Bleeding

    • Chest pain

    • Shortness of breath

Next Page:

Chronic Pain/Back Pain

Find tips and advances in treatment.




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Regional Anesthesia For Postoperative Pain Control »

In many centers, regional anesthesia techniques are used extensively to allow the performance of orthopedic procedures.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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