Pain control advice following throat operations

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You may find that you have some pain after your operation. The pain may get worse after 2-3 days (especially if you have had laser surgery). Remember to take your painkilling drugs regularly: if you wait until the pain becomes severe, it will be harder to control.

In laser surgery the pain may become more severe on Day 3-5 post operation.

Advice for pain management can be found below and applies to adults only. Other information is available regarding pain control for children.

For mild pain

Soluble Paracetamol, 1 gram, can be taken 30 minutes before eating and before going to bed to help this. If your throat is sore take the Paracetamol regularly throughout the day, at four hourly intervals, do not wait until the pain gets too bad. However, be careful not to exceed a maximum dosage of eight tablets per day. If you have been given Difflam this will help numb the soreness if you gargle with it.

For moderate pain

Co-codamol 8/500 soluble If you are sore take the tablets given to you as directed. Take the tablets regularly, do not wait until the pain gets too bad. However, take care not to exceed the maximum dosage of 8 tablets per day. They will probably help best if you take them 30 minutes before meals and before going to bed. As the soreness reduces, gradually reduce the number of pain relieving tablets you are taking.

For severe pain

Co-codamol 8/500 soluble and Diclofenac 50mgs. (Voltarol) You have been given 2 types of tablets; they work on different parts of the body to reduce the pain. Take the Co-codamol dissolvable tablets 30 minutes before meal times and before you go to bed for maximum benefit. Be careful not to exceed the maximum dose of 8 tablets per day. Take Diclofenac (Voltarol) three times a day in between taking the co-codamol.

As the soreness reduces gradually reduce the number of pain relieving tables you are taking. Severe pain in asthmatics, peptic ulcer where NSAID’s are contra indicated

Co-codamol 30/500 If you are sore take the tablets given to you as directed. Take the tablets regularly; do not wait for the pain to get too bad. But be careful never to exceed 8 tablets per day. They are most effective if they are taken 30 minutes before meals, and before you go to bed. As the soreness reduces, gradually reduce the number of pain relieving tablets you are taking. You should not require more than 10 days of painkillers.