Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
This leaflet describes what happens when you have Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA), together with any side effects and complications that may occur.
PCA is a method of delivering pain-relieving drugs intravenously, by an infusion pump. Patients can then use the device when they need it. It may be used for patients who have had surgery and/or are in severe pain. The anaesthetist and pain specialist nurses will help you to decide if PCA is appropriate for you.
Intended benefits of PCA
• It helps patients to take control of their pain
• It works quickly
• It is safe and effective
• It avoids delays in waiting for pain relief
Possible side-effects of PCA
• It may make you feel drowsy
• It may make you feel sick
• You may have some itching
What can you expect whilst your PCA is in progress?
A small amount of a strong painkiller will be given into your vein when you activate the device. The device is activated by pressing the green button on the handset. It is only by pressing the button yourself that you will receive any of the drug. The pump will then only deliver a certain amount of drug over a certain period of time. If you are unsure on how to use the equipment, please do ask the nursing staff and they will be able to help you.
Patients are normally advised to press their button when they have got a moderate pain and when they need to move or cough. Pain is much better managed if it is dealt with sooner rather than later.
The nursing and medical staff will ask you to describe your pain in words, which they will then convert to a score. Please be truthful and tell them about how much or little you hurt. If you are in pain, they will look to see what other pain medication you are having and decide if you need anything else. They will also assess how you are managing with your PCA, and should be able to treat any side effects such as nausea, itching or constipation.
The nursing staff will regularly check that the pump is running safely and that there are no problems. These checks may seem a bit annoying, but the staff need to make sure you are safe.
If you have any concerns about your PCA, it is important that you discuss these with the staff looking after you.
Drugs you may receive alongside your PCA
The nursing and medical staff will advise you that regular painkillers such as paracetamol with your PCA will help you to get up and about more easily. This combination will also help to reduce your need for the PCA. If you are feeling sick, you may also be given drugs to help. Please discuss with your nurse any side effects that may be worrying you.
Alternatives to PCA
There are other methods of pain relief and these should be discussed with you by the medical/nursing staff if appropriate. You may be able to take painkillers by mouth; and if unable you may be given intramuscular (IM) injections into a muscle in your leg or buttock, and /or suppositories (PR) into your back passage. You may also require painkillers by intravenous (IV) injection.
Every effort should be made to ensure your comfort
Pain management teams
Like most hospitals, we have a team of nurses and anaesthetists who specialise in pain management.
If you have any questions about your pain management which the ward staff are unable to answer, then please ask to see the Pain Team.
What can you do to help yourself?
- The nursing and medical staff will assess your pain by asking you to describe it, please answer honestly. It is important that you are comfortable at rest, and are able to move or cough.
- Please remember that it may not be possible to take away all your pain.
- If you are in pain, tell a nurse immediately so that action can be taken sooner rather than later.
- We recommend that if there is anything you know of which helps you with your pain, such as a special pillow, you may bring it into hospital with you. It is advisable to ensure that this item has your name on it.
- Please do not take painkillers that have not been given to you by the nurse. It is vitally important that the nursing and medical staff know exactly what medication you are taking. All medicines must be kept in a secure locked cabinet whilst you are in hospital.
- We strongly recommend that you take all the painkillers prescribed for you. They work best if taken regularly.
- Additional pain relief will usually be prescribed for you alongside your regular ones. Please ask your nurse for this extra pain relief, if you need it.
- If you are worried or troubled by side effects such as nausea, constipation or itching please tell your nurse so that action can be taken.
After discharge from hospital
If you are still requiring painkillers when you are fit to leave hospital, you will be given a supply to take with you. These drugs are known as ‘TTAs’. If you need more painkillers when these run out, your GP should be happy to prescribe them and advise you on when to stop taking them.
Any questions?
We have written this information sheet to make your admission and care as smooth as possible. However, it does not cover every aspect of your care and the staff will always be happy to answer any other questions or points of concern.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Pain management service.
About this information
Service:
Pain management
Reference:
B/029
Approval date:
27 September 2023
Review date:
1 October 2026
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.