Can you have pain after general anesthesia?
October 26, 2022 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Felix Herrmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Helma Schulze and I recently had surgery where I received general anesthesia. Since then, I have been experiencing severe pain in the area of the surgical site and I am wondering if it is normal to have pain after receiving general anesthesia.
The surgery where I received the general anesthesia was a complicated abdominal operation that was necessary to resolve a health issue. The operation was successful, but since then I have been experiencing strong pain in the abdominal area that is causing me a lot of discomfort.
I am concerned that the pain after the general anesthesia could be a sign of complications or that something went wrong during the operation. I am also wondering if the pain is normal and how long it can last.
Can you please explain to me if it is normal to have pain after general anesthesia? Are there possible causes for the pain and how long can it last? Are there any measures I can take to alleviate the pain or should I seek medical attention again?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Helma Schulze
Dear Mrs. Schulze,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an anesthesiologist. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing severe abdominal pain after your operation. I understand your concerns and the need for answers.
It is quite normal to experience pain after general anesthesia, especially after a complicated abdominal surgery. The pain can have various causes. It may be due to irritation of the muscles and tissues in the operated area, or injuries sustained during the operation. In addition, inflammation or fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity after surgery can also cause pain.
The duration of the pain can vary from patient to patient. Generally, post-operative pain should subside within a few days to weeks. However, if the pain persists or worsens over a longer period of time, it is advisable to seek medical attention to rule out any complications.
To alleviate the pain, various measures can be taken. This includes taking pain medication prescribed by your treating physician, as well as rest and avoidance of strenuous activities. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support the healing process.
If the pain is very severe, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or swelling, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Your treating physician can conduct further investigations to determine the exact cause of the pain and initiate appropriate treatment.
I hope my response has answered your questions and I am available for any further information you may need. I wish you a speedy recovery and all the best on your path to healing.
Best regards,
Felix Herrmann
