My child has had an operation, what should I expect when we get home?
During surgery and while in hospital, your child would have been given painkillers but these will wear off when you get home. It is very important that your child takes regular painkillers following surgery to prevent pain.
You know your child best, so you will be able to tell if your child is uncomfortable. However, besides pain at the site of the operation, which can sometimes be quite sore, your child may experience other general aches and pains such as a sore throat or headache. These can happen just after an operation. They should be mild, easily treated with paracetamol and go away within the first 24 hours.
What can I do to make my child’s pain better?
The nurses and/or pharmacists will advise you about what pain medicines to use. Give the pain medicines following this advice and the instructions provided with the medication. Remember that after surgery painkillers should be given regularly, until the pain is gone. Different types of painkillers work well together, for instance, paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given at the same time for strongest effect.
It is also important to remember:
Do not wait for the pain to get very bad before you give your child painkillers.
Giving painkillers at bedtime will help your child sleep through the night.
If your child is still in pain or you are concerned about the severity of pain, you should contact the hospital for advice.
Other things along with pain medication can help manage your child’s pain, for example reading a story, watching television, massage or playing gentle games can take the focus of the pain away.
How can I tell if my child is in pain?
If your child is old enough, he/she will be able to tell you that he/she is in pain. It is more difficult to judge in younger children, but his/her behaviour may help you recognise any discomfort. For example, crying, irritable, decreased appetite or being quiet and not interested in playing.
How long should I give painkillers for?
No two children will feel pain in the same way. In general, you should give your child painkillers for as long as he/she is complaining of pain. When the pain is bad, you should give the painkillers regularly, ‘by the clock’ and not wait for your child to complain of pain. The length of time your child will need painkillers for will depend on the operation he/she has had. Once the pain is less severe, you should only give your child painkillers when he/she complains of pain.
Is it safe to give my child more than one painkiller at the same time?
Yes, it is safe to give combinations of painkillers at the same time, for instance paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given together. It is important not to give your child different brands of the same medicine or different medicines which work in exactly the same way e.g. Non-Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs like diclofenac and ibuprofen.
Pain Medication Summary
Always read the label carefully, making sure you give the correct dose.
Important general information about medicines
What are the possible side effects?
Side effects from painkillers are not common when the medicines are given at the right dose and at the right time. The leaflet that comes with the medicine will describe any possible side effects.
If you have any concerns about your child when you get home, you should contact The Portland Hospital on 020 7580 4400 and ask for the Paediatric Site Practitioner (PSP).
Specific Medication Information
PARACETAMOL
Also known as Calpol, Panadol
A mild pain killer – helps to reduce fevers
It can be given every 4-6 hours
Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours
Paracetamol works well in combination with ibuprofen
DO NOT GIVE WITH
CO-CODAMOL (containing paracetamol & codeine)
CO-DYDRAMOL (containing paracetamol & dihydrocodeine)
IBUPROFEN
Also known as Brufen, Calprofen, Nurofen
A pain killer
Helps to reduce inflammation
Very effective for pain after operations
It can be given wvery 6-8 hours as it lasts longer than paracetamol
Do not exceed 3 doses in 24 hours
DO NOT GIVE WITH OTHER NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
e.g. diclofenac, naproxen, aspirin
Created by: Marsha Jadoonanan & Jack Ford-Langan for The Portland Hospital/12.2013 Updated May 2019 (AT/SW/OS)
