Pain Management Following Surgery
Medication
- Unless otherwise specified by Dr. Lee’s team, you will be provided with a Post-Operative Pain Management Protocol that consists of:
- Tylenol (acetaminophen), a non-narcotic pain reliever
- Ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory medication and non-narcotic pain reliever
- You will be directed to take these medications at scheduled times throughout the first seven days after your surgery. This combination of medication helps to provide continuous pain control throughout the day, and aims to limit the amount of narcotic pain medication that you will need to take during your recovery period.
- You will also be given a low-dose narcotic medication that is to be taken as needed for pain that is not alleviated by the non-narcotic medications above. Typically, you will be prescribed oxycodone, which can be taken every 4-6 hours. A common side effect of narcotic medication includes nausea, so you will be provided with a medication called Zofran (ondansetron) that prevents nausea.
- If you are having a lower extremity surgery, you will need to take low-dose Aspirin 81mg twice a day, morning and night, for 30 days after surgery to help prevent blood clots.
Cryotherapy
- Use of cryotherapy or ice is also beneficial in reducing your pain and decreasing the amount of swelling that can occur after surgery. You should ice and elevate the extremity for 20 minutes at a time, at least 3 times per day. Dr. Lee’s team will provide you with options for renting or purchasing a cryotherapy Ice machine for use after your surgery.
We're here to answer all you questions and help you be best prepared for your procedure, know how to recover, and what to expect from your whole experience. Below you'll find the pre-op and other patient information for procedures performed at both Aspen and Basalt locations. You'll also find post-op documents for what do after your surgery. Lower extremities include knee and hip procedures, and upper extremities include shoulder, wrist, and elbow procedures.
