Main Menu
Recovery
Heart Surgery: Pain Management
Heart Surgery: Pain ManagementYou have been through major surgery. It is normal to feel some level of pain and discomfort as you recover.“Can you rate your pain for me on a scale of zero to ten?”“Probably about an eight.”“About an eight? Ok.”When you are in pain, tell your cardiac care team. Managing your pain properly will allow you to feelcomfortable enough to do the things you need to do in order to recover. There are many reasons after surgerythat you may have pain. Because a breathing tube was used, some patients have a sore throat. You maynotice soreness caused by increased activity as you start to get up and move around.And you may have discomfort in the incision areas in your chest, legs or arms. The incision in your chest fromheart surgery is called a Sternal Wound because it runs down the middle of your Chest bone or Sternum. It iscommon for your incision areas to feel tight, sore or numb and may look bruised or slightly red in color.This incision pain will decrease as time goes by, but it will take about six to eight weeks for these areas to healcompletely so be patient.You may be given pain medications through your IV, with a Patient-Controlled Pump or as a pill or liquid. Takeyour pain medications as prescribed. They will help you to get active and get out of the hospital.“It’s very important for you to share with your nurse that you’re having discomfort, don’t try to be toughand I can get through this. It’s important, we have medications that are ordered specifically for pain tohelp you to get through your daily uh activities of living.”You are the one in pain, so you know your pain best. Your cardiac care team will ask you to describe and rateyour pain. Be as specific as possible. Where is the pain, and what does it feel like? Rate your pain on a scaleof zero to ten. Zero means no pain at all and ten means the worst pain you can imagine. Some pain scaleshave pictures as well as numbers to help you show your cardiac care team how you feel.If you are already getting pain medications but you are still in pain, tell your cardiac care team. You may needto have your medications adjusted. If you still feel your pain is unmanageable after receiving your medication,talk to your cardiac care team about other options for pain control.Changing positions often, elevating your legs, and practicing relaxation techniques can also help to relieveyour pain. As you become more active and heal, your pain will gradually decrease and go away. Don’t let painget in the way of your recovery progress. If you are in pain, take an active role in your pain management. Tellyour cardiac care team and take your pain medications. They are there to help you recover and return you toyour active lifestyle.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA10178B EN HeartSurgeryPainManagement.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
Featured in
Because every beat matters, our cardiac doctors are dedicated to providing care like no other can.
Browse heart doctors
Learn the common instructions included in your discharge plan.
See what to expect as you recover from your angioplasty and stenting procedures.
Understand how deep and controlled breathing exercises can help strengthen your lungs after surgery.
Learn what to expect in intensive care following heart surgery.
