Recovery from anesthesia, known as awakening, occurs when the effects of anesthetic drugs wear off, and the body functions start to return. The anesthesia doctor monitors your recovery closely, taking care of your medications. After the surgery, your vital signs and dressing are checked in a unit called the recovery room, also known as the awakening unit. Your pain level is assessed, and your pain management, according to the anesthesia doctor’s recommended plan, begins before the surgery, continues until you are discharged from the hospital, and even afterward if necessary.

After anesthesia, as the effects wear off, you may start experiencing pain and discomfort related to the surgery. In some cases, local or regional pain relief applications can be performed at the beginning of the recovery to prevent pain. The pain arising after surgical procedures can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, along with fatigue. If you feel pain during your recovery, additional medications can be administered by consulting with the anesthesia doctor. These types of pains are defined as acute pain, and our treatment protocols for postoperative pain are diverse.

Regardless of the type of surgery or the intensity of the pain it causes, your pain management will definitely be addressed. However, the method of applying pain relief medication (such as pain control device, injections into muscles or veins) will be determined by your doctor. In today’s technology, systems have been developed to allow patients to administer medication to themselves safely, effective in pain management, by pressing a button. Even if the patient presses the button more than the amount set by the anesthesia doctor, the excess amount does not reach the patient. The choice of medications used for pain relief varies depending on the type of surgery, its location, age, and other factors. Nausea and vomiting are more common after abdominal surgery, middle ear, or eye surgeries performed under general anesthesia due to the use of pain-relieving medications. In most cases, the feeling of nausea does not last long, and it can be treated with anti-nausea medications.

Upon returning to your room, your pain level is regularly monitored by nurses and doctors to ensure that you have a painless, comfortable, and safe postoperative period. All necessary precautions are taken, and the reasons causing the pain are questioned. A multimodal pain management plan that prevents pain in various ways is re-planned for each period. Therefore, the side effects related to medications will be minimized, and a stable level of pain management plan will be provided.

When you are discharged from the hospital, your acute postoperative pain period has been successfully overcome, so your pain level will be below a certain limit, and you will have avoided the risk of developing chronic pain sensitivity in the future. If deemed necessary, your postoperative pain management plan at home with orally administered medications can also be arranged by us.

In conclusion, suffering from pain is not a destiny; it is your and your anesthesia doctor’s choice.