Exams and Tests

When you see a doctor for pain after surgery, the exam will include the following:

• Medical history, medications, and surgical history

• A pain history, including increases or decreases in pain and whether your pain prevents you from breathing deeply, performing daily activities, eating, or sleeping
  
  

• A physical examination, especially of the surgical site
  
  

• Additional tests if the diagnosis is not made with a history and physical exam
  
  
• Blood tests may include a white blood cell count for signs of infection, red blood cell counts to look for signs of bleeding, electrolytes to check fluid status, and possibly other tests.
  
  
• X-ray images of the chest and abdomen may be obtained to assess possible pneumonia or signs of bowel obstruction or loss of intestinal movement.
  
  

• A CT scan of the painful area may be necessary.
  
  
• A sonogram may be obtained to look for collections of fluid and gallbladder or kidney stones.