	Pain after an operation is normal
	We will usually offer you pain medicines straight after your operation These medicines make it easier to cough
	move
	walk about
	and steadily become more active
	Pain medicines also make it easier by reducing the risk of complications such as a chest infection
	clots in the lungs
	or clots in the legs
	As you feel better, stronger and are more active, you should reduce your pain medicines
	and then stop your pain medicines
	If you are still in pain, contact your healthcare team

	Opioid medicines Opioids, like morphine, are very strong medicines that help reduce higher levels of pain you may have
	after an operation
	or from injuries like a broken bone
	Your healthcare team will talk to you about the best type of opioid medicine to take
	Your healthcare team will also tell you how to reduce and stop taking pain medicines as soon as you feel able to

	Before your surgery Being as active and fit as you can be helps speed up recovery and pain will reduce and stop sooner
	Being active can be tricky if you have pain or problems with joints or other parts of your body - you can ask for advice about this
	Regular exercise can help to build fitness - things like gentle walking several times a day
	water-based exercise
	and exercises done in your chair
	Eating healthy foods like fruit and vegetables helps wounds to heal
	Losing extra weight helps reduce complications after an operation - even a small weight loss helps better healing
	Cut down or stop smoking and vaping
	Cut down or stop drinking alcohol
	Take your mind off things with relaxation, books, audio books, music and podcasts

	If you are already taking opioids
	Talk to your healthcare team - it may help to reduce your opioids before your operation

How medicines reduce pain

Pain medicines block messages in the brain and spinal cord

Talk to your healthcare team about stopping opioids and reducing your pain

	Using a pain management plan
	A member of your healthcare team can give you a plan to manage your pain when you go home - ask them to write it down for you
	Pain medicines I have been given
	When should I reduce and stop taking these pain medicines

After your surgery

You will feel less pain as your body mends, and you increase your physical activity at home and outside

Ask for a review with your healthcare team if pain stops you from moving

	What you can do after your operation to reduce pain and recover
	Medicines follow the advice to use your pain medicines
	Activity choose activities you enjoy stop before you get too tired - and remember to take rest breaks distract yourself from the pain with activities like walking, crafts, gardening, TV, puzzles, relaxation, and breathing exercises stop before it gets too painful
	If activity like walking makes the pain worse then take the pain medicine before activity
	Opioids are the first pain medicines to stop
	Paracetamol is usually the last pain medicine to stop Talk to your healthcare team if you are taking other medicines for pain

	Side effect of opioids Constipation is a side-effect of opioids - to help with this...
	drink plenty of fluids
	eat figs, prunes, breakfast cereals, oranges, beans or pulses
	take laxative medicine every day to soften your poo and help move it through you

	Stay safe while taking opioids after your surgery
	do not drive
	keep medicines locked away from your children and pets
	reduce the number of opioids you take as your pain level improves
	take any unused opioids to your local pharmacy so they can dispose of them safely
	tell your carers to call 999 if they can't wake you up or if your breathing is very slow tell your carers to tell doctors or paramedics that you take opioids for pain