I have heard this may happen. You may not have these side effects of pain medicine. If you do the doctor can give you another medicine that will control the sick feeling or itching. Tell you nurse right away about this as it is easier to treat when it is mild. Usually the PCA pump is stopped when you are able to drink liquids, are not sick at your stomach, and are able to take pain pills.
Most people get very good relief from pain pills.
You do need to take the pills when you first begin to hurt as it takes about 30 minutes for the pills to work. Tell your nurse if you do not get relief as the dose may need to be changed of another drug used. I have never taken pain medicine before. Epidural Analgesia You can take pain medicine through a small soft tube placed in the epidural space in your back. That space is close to the nerves that sense pain, especially pain in your chest, abdomen, back, and legs.