What to Do After Same-Day Discharge Following Abdominal Surgery without Pain Medication?
I am a woman in my mid-thirties, grappling with stage 4 deep infiltrating endometriosis and adenomyosis, and currently not on any medications. Just two days ago, after a visit to the emergency room due to ovarian torsion, I underwent an extensive abdominal surgery that included a total hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, sigmoid resection, discoid resection, and the excision of endometriosis from my diaphragm. Initially, this surgery was planned for two weeks later, but due to the circumstances at the ER, it was arranged to happen sooner. Now, I find myself regretting my decision to proceed, as it was performed by a different surgical team and at an unfamiliar hospital. Upon waking from anesthesia, I realized that I was not provided with any pain relief. After spending a brief two hours in recovery and urinating, I was discharged in what felt like a hurried manner. I had anticipated being monitored for at least one night, particularly given the nature of my surgery involving bowel work. Suffering from significant pain, I wasn’t in a position to advocate for my admission and felt pressured to leave the hospital, despite the original expectation of a 2-3 day stay after such a procedure. To complicate matters, I did not receive any postoperative instructions. I have documentation from my previous surgeons, which outlines a special diet following bowel surgery, yet no prescriptions for pain, nausea, or antibiotics were provided at discharge. I have reached out to the hospital’s nursing line on two separate occasions, but their only advice has been to take Tylenol, as I cannot use NSAIDs due to pre-existing ulcers and gastritis. My pain is intense; I cannot keep fluids down due to nausea, and although there are no signs of infection, my discomfort is severe. I have left messages with my original surgeon's office, but they are closed for the weekend. I possess just four Tramadol 50mg pills from my prior pain management regime (which I stopped attending on my surgeon’s recommendation) and they are ineffective in alleviating my pain. I am unable to obtain a refill as it necessitates an in-person visit to my clinic. A friend who is caring for me has connections with someone who can provide prescription pain medication; however, I am aware of the risks involved and do not wish to compromise my health in that manner. I am in agony and at a loss regarding what steps I can take to manage this pain effectively. Please advise on potential options or alternatives for relief without resorting to illicit medications.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 3:20:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your intense pain and distress after your recent surgery. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed in your situation, especially with the unexpected circumstances surrounding your discharge. Let’s focus on actionable steps to help manage your symptoms and improve your comfort until you can get in touch with your original surgeon.
Key Points:
- Focus on hydration and managing nausea.
- Explore non-pharmaceutical pain relief methods and dietary adjustments.
- Keep monitoring symptoms and prepare for follow-up.
Explanation:
Your experience sounds very challenging, especially after such an extensive operation. Given the lack of pain management and difficulty with nausea, it’s essential to take a multifaceted approach to help you find relief.
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Hydration:
- Small sips of clear fluids may help settle your stomach. If plain water is difficult to keep down, consider sipping on electrolyte solutions or clear broths, which can also provide necessary nutrients.
- Take frequent, small sips throughout the day instead of drinking large amounts at once.
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Nausea Management:
- Ginger tea or peppermint tea can often help with nausea. You might also consider ginger candies or capsules if teas are too much to handle.
- If you have any anti-nausea medications from a prior prescription (like Ondansetron or Promethazine), now would be the time to use those, if available.
-
Pain Management Alternatives:
- While you mentioned that Tylenol has been suggested, you could try it in combination with other approaches:
- Heat application: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to your abdomen may provide some relief from the pain. Be careful to avoid burns.
- Relaxation techniques: Controlled breathing, meditation, or gentle stretches (as tolerated) may help reduce perceived pain levels.
- While you mentioned that Tylenol has been suggested, you could try it in combination with other approaches:
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Follow a bland diet (like the “BRAT” diet - bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) to potentially ease digestive discomfort post-surgery while being gentle on your stomach.
- Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods until your nausea subsides.
Next Steps:
- Continue Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If pain escalates or you develop other concerning symptoms (such as fever or the inability to keep any fluids down for over 24 hours), seek immediate medical attention.
- Follow-Up Care: As soon as your surgeon’s office opens, reach out to them urgently. Prepare your questions and describe your symptoms succinctly. This will help them assess your situation more effectively.
- Document Your Pain: Note your pain levels throughout the day and any effective coping strategies you try. This log can be useful for medical consultations.
Your well-being is the priority, so please take these steps to manage your situation as best you can. Remember, it’s crucial to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals when you have the opportunity. You're not alone in this, and support is available—keep reaching out for it.
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