Dealing with Pain After Ovarian Surgery -- There are Options
- Doctors have developed a lot of really effective tools to help women manage pain after ovarian cancer surgery
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and nerve-isolating medications such as Gabapentin are both options
- Some women may also receive an epidural after surgery, which numbs the lower half of the body
- The more you can get up and walk around after surgery, the better — movement actually helps with pain
The surgery that many women undergo after an ovarian cancer diagnosis is a serious procedure — and accordingly, it does result in quite a bit of pain. But oncologists, anesthesiologists, and other members of your care team are equipped with the expertise to help you manage this pain.
Read More After the surgery, for instance, Dr. Carlson says that many women will be given an epidural, meaning a shot that numbs the lower half of the body similar to what many women might be given during childbirth. This can last for several days during the early recovery period. Additionally, many women will be given anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or a drug called Gabapentin that isolates nerve pain. Doctors have gotten really good at helping women manage their pain without narcotic painkillers, says Dr. Carlson.
“Our goal with pain control is to get the patient up and walking around even on the day of surgery so that we can have faster return of bowel and bladder function,” says Dr. Carlson, adding that actually, when patients do move around after surgery, it helps with the pain directly.
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