This is a system where pain medicaion is given through a special pump. The patient can press a button and inject the medicaion at the onset of any discomfort. This method is valuable to receive pain relief just prior to getting out of bed or have a dressing changed. Take pain medicaion before you start walking or doing breathing exercises to allow greater mobility. Once pain is established, relief is more difficult.
Pain medication is injected continuosly by a pump into the epidural space.
This is a small catheter which is placed by an anesthesiologist. This allows for assistance of anesthesia during surgery, as well as post-operative pain control. Common side effects of narcotic analgesics are mental clouding and constipation. These can be easily managed by adjustment of dose and attention to bowel funcion. Tell your doctor or nurse about any pain that won't go away.