Most postoperative pain is worst in the first one to two days after surgery, and then begins to get better. Pain after surgery will happen as part of the recovery process, but it should not stop you from doing the things you need to do to recover healthily, such as eating, drinking and walking.

Download journal for tracking pain and setting pain management goals

Setting yourself up for success after surgery can begin weeks before the procedure. Healthy habits before surgery can help to minimize pain and speed recovery after surgery.

Some examples are:

• Stay active. After surgery, getting back to your normal level of activity can help you recover quicker and minimize your pain. Plan ahead by staying active and keeping your body as strong as possible.
• Eat well. Protein and other nutrients are important for healing, and faster healing means less pain. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and focus on getting enough protein for your body's needs.  
• Make a plan with friends and family. It’s ok to ask for help after surgery. Talk to your friends and family about your plan to manage your pain. Ask for help when you are in pain. You will experience some pain and will need help with daily chores.
• Set personal recovery goals. You should set personal recovery goals and keep a journal of your progress towards reaching them.
  Some examples include: doing household chores, walking the dog, getting mail, standing without pain, walking around for 5 minutes, attending an important social event, sleeping at night without waking up because of pain, returning to your usual job, etc. 

A nerve block is a pain-control technique used during and after surgery. An anesthesia doctor gives an injection of numbing medicine near specific nerves that carry pain signals from the surgical area to your brain. By “blocking” these signals, you feel less pain after surgery.

Nerve blocks are commonly used with laparoscopic surgery and are part of a multimodal pain management plan, meaning several methods are used together to control pain. The numbing effect usually lasts several hours up to about one day. During this time, the area may feel numb, heavy, or tingly.

Nerve blocks can help you:

• Have less pain after surgery
• Need less opioid pain medicine
• Move, breathe deeply, and recover more comfortably

As the block wears off, it is important to start using your other pain-control medicines and strategies as directed. If you have questions or notice unusual or long-lasting numbness, contact your care team.

Your surgery team will have medications scheduled and as-needed for your pain. Don’t forget about simple things like ice packs, sitting with a good posture, and moving throughout the day!

You likely will feel some pain in your shoulder within the first two days after surgery. Notify your care team if this happens.

This is because of gas (CO2) that was used during the surgery. The pain will pass quickly as the gas is absorbed. For relief, lie flat and try increasing your physical activity, such as walking around for longer and longer.

Start with over‑the‑counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they are safe for you. Opioids are used only when needed and for the shortest time possible. You may be prescribed opioid pain medicine based on your pain needs at the hospital after surgery. Follow the directions that come with this medicine and take it as needed to meet the goals described above.

DON’T take opioid pain medicine if you have NO pain, or if your pain is mild.

Opioid pain medicines can cause constipation. Take a stool softener daily if needed.

Take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), as directed by your doctor. This medicine can upset your stomach. Take it with food and a full glass of water to reduce your stomach upset.

Ice or heat packs, comfortable positioning, walking, gentle movement, and distractions like music or movies can all help reduce pain.

Learn more about opioids and non-opioid medication strategies

Download journal for tracking pain and setting pain management goals