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Get Ready for Your Appointment

How much do you know about prescription pain medications? They can be a great tool for managing postsurgery pain, but you need to know how to use them safely and correctly.

“Painkillers aren’t supposed to make you feel completely numb. They’re supposed to get you to an acceptable level of pain that lets you sleep, eat, and go about your daily activities. Feeling some discomfort is normal and can be a helpful guide so you don’t push your body too hard before you’ve healed.”

Use the time before surgery to find out as much as possible about prescription pain medications — both opioid and non-opioid options — so you have a plan in place before you need them. Here are some ways to come in prepared to learn more at the doctor’s office.

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Make the Most of Your Appointment

There’s a lot to cover when you and your doctor are deciding on the best postsurgery pain relief options for you. Go prepared to ask as many questions as you need, and think through answers to likely questions you’ll get as well.

What to Ask Your Doctor:

What are the different prescription pain medication options available to me?

Some prescription medications are just stronger dosages of over-the-counter options you already have in your medicine cabinet, like NSAIDs. Others are non-opioid prescription medications that can quiet pain nerves, while others are opioids, strong medications that come with a risk of dependence and other side effects if you take them for a long time.

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Is there a risk of dependence with the medication you’ve prescribed me?

You can become dependent on opioids if you take them for too long or have other risk factors.

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Who do I call when I have questions or concerns about my medication?

Your surgeon is the person you’ll probably have the least face-to-face time with. I have not seen my surgeon since my surgery, only their assistants. Find out who can make changes to your medications if needed and who can give general advice about medication questions between appointments.

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How do you come up with my dosage recommendation?

Medicine affects us all in different ways. Your doctor will dose you based on your weight, sex, age, and other factors.

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Should I stop taking my other medications or supplements before surgery or when I’m taking pain medication?

Make sure your doctor knows everything you’re taking daily in case there could be interactions.

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How much discomfort is normal after my surgery?

After your anesthesia wears off, feeling a bit of pain is actually helpful. If your medications numb you too much, it can have a catastrophic effect on your recovery because you're doing things you shouldn't be. You can injure yourself, rip stitches, or cause internal bleeding if you can’t feel your body telling you to stop.

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What are common side effects of the pain medication you’ve prescribed me?

There's a high likelihood that you already know if you have any issues with over-the-counter medications. A prescription pain medication may not be something you've ever encountered before.

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“A common phrase you’ll hear is to 'stay ahead of the pain.' I find the best way to do that is to follow the pain management instructions your doctor gives you to a T. They tend to start with a protocol that’s going to give you maximum comfort safely.”

What Your Doctor May Ask You:

Have you taken prescription pain medications before?

Painkillers make me extremely nauseous, so it helped for me to discuss this ahead of time so they could prescribe nausea medication alongside them.

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What is your experience with pain?

My first surgery – an arthroscopic repair of the labrum in my shoulder – was because of a snowboarding accident. I’m no stranger to falls and minor injuries. Knowing that helps my doctor better understand my pain tolerance.

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Do you have a history of medicine misuse?

Opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine are common pain relief choices doctors prescribe for the immediate days after surgery. They’re effective, but they come with risks such as dependence if you take them for too long or in ways other than your doctor prescribes. Your doctor will want to go over your risk factors so you can make an informed choice.

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Opioid Dependence: Know the Risks infographic

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Make Sure You're Being Heard

You may find yourself in situations where it feels hard to find your voice. Advocate for yourself in your visits by practicing responses for certain situations. Here are some things you can say.

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Follow Up at Home

Fill your prescriptions. After my first surgery, I learned that having as much done as possible before your surgery is a huge help. Pick up your medications and have them at home ready to go when you’re post-op.

Set up a journal. Once you’re post-op and taking your medications, keep a record of how you’re feeling each day. An easy way to do this is to tie it to your medication schedule. At one point I was taking my meds every four hours, and so that’s a good reminder to jot down the state of your pain. Even a simple number on the pain scale helps you (and your doctor) see how your recovery is going over time.

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Prepare for Your Appointment

Choose a Step:

Get Ready for Your Appointment

Make the Most of Your Appointment

What to Ask Your Doctor:

What Your Doctor May Ask You:

Make Sure You're Being Heard

Follow Up at Home

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