In 2023. I donated my brother’s kidney through an open procedure (rather than a keyhole procedure which is in more and more cases.) It was painful for a few days after the surgery (to say the least!) In the weeks. Days. Months. and even years following. I’ve been listening to a number of theories on the management of pain – try them out. And here are some of the tricks I’ve learned and want to share with you.
The cause of pain lies in the mind. It’s just your central nervous system sending electrical impulses. As is the case with everything, the reason is in charge. Therefore, it’s not necessary to use medication or assistance following the donation of an organ… If you’re a Buddhist monk. If you’re a normal person. Who hasn’t had the luxury of meditating on the high peaks. You’ll need all the assistance you receive.
One of the most terrifying moments. Where I was waiting for them to provide me with a little bit to ease the pain (and I wasn’t actually experiencing any pain!) was. When I had to go down for surgery. Each time I’ve had a procedure. I’ve received an anti-doping medication. And I was already tired. However. I think because of the duration of the kidney procedure. They weren’t going to provide me with something “unnecessary” – in other words. They were preserving the best stuff (and it’s very excellent stuff.)
I think it’s pretty harsh to force people to go onto the surgical table sober and cold. Oh! But then, the anesthetic caused a small scratch on my hands and eventually gave me the “joy juice.” The fear was gone, and I was left to be amazed by the procedure. I shed a few joyful tears while saying to the coordinator of transplants, “it’s such a beautiful thing.” She smiled and nodded; that was the only thing I could remember until they switched off the lights.
PCA or Epidural
If you awake, you might be hooked up to an epidural or PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia). The primary distinction between these two is that the epidural delivers an exact dosage directly to your spinal cord. While with the PCA. You select the dose by pressing the button (the patient-controlled part). However should you push it too often. It could shut down (not optimal.)
The nurses suggested I go for the PCA, but the anesthetist advised me to get the epidural. In the said. When it works. It’s great and if it doesn’t work we can always put you on the PCA.” (Unfortunately, my epidural stopped working late at night, which is something I would not recommend to anyone) However. My brother was on PCA and had trouble starting with that. The benefit of having been awake with an epidural is I was a joyful bunny – as in a high state – confident that I would be up the next day. Eager to race around the block.
Whatever you decide to do. Be sure to know what procedure to follow if it ceases to work – If it does cause a massive disturbance and doesn’t feel embarrassed to ask to see an anesthetist or a doctor (whatever the time of night is!)
Traditional Painkillers
The first thing I would suggest to manage pain is that whatever you decide to take. You must manage your own pain management as quickly as you are able. The hospital nurses are extremely strict with their medication. They only let me take to take them once each four hours. One time, I was able to stay occupied for six hours. When I called for my pills. They told me I had to wait for the next one. Which was an additional two hours. They have never left my side since!
After I left the hospital, I continued to follow the regimen. The effectiveness waned. And eventually. My stomach could not take the pills – throwing up after donating a kidney can be incredibly painful.
I visited my GP following the operation as I could not get enough sleep. She was much less expensive and advised co-codamol and the drug valium. And the most wonderful thing of all! dihydrocodeine.
The way I dealt with it was to take the co-codamol when the pain became too severe during the day. I was using one dose daily Typically in the afternoon. And then just one dihydrocodeine (I could only take two) in the evening – that shook me up and allowed me to get an entire eight hours of rest!
The valium came in handy anytime. I needed it – even when I was suffering from an uncontrollable headache or a painful period (fantastic to both). It’s a great product because it doesn’t just eliminate pain. It does make you forget!
Ibuprofen is an effective treatment to treat period pain. Renal doctors and nurses advised me to not use ibuprofen. However. My regular GP advised me to stay away from these because they can reduce bleeding, so it alleviates pain during the period and the root causes.
The drugs will only aid you in a limited way, but in some cases, it’s enough. If you combine them with other methods for managing pain. They will give you one. At the very least. An excellent night’s rest, which is usually the most effective medication.
(They may also cause constipation if they’re morphine and morphine-based, so be cautious when using these).
Another method involves the ability to suggest. I take my tablets. And while I wait for them to start working. I think, “Wow, I’m so stoned I’m going to pass out.” Instead of having the tablet and lying on the couch contemplating, “Are they working yet?
The mind is stronger than the body. Through this method of self-hypnosis, you can work towards Buddhist monk-like pain control.
And, of course, be gentle with your stomach. Always consume any medication in conjunction with food (even if it’s not stated on the label.) It was a sensible idea to have an empty tin of biscuits near. The beds should I need to take the medication in the evening.
Natural Remedies
It is believed that stem ginger has proven to relieve pain and be anti-inflammatory. If you find delicious stem ginger cookies, they are great for taking tablets with.
While it’s not precisely an herbal painkiller. I highly recommend aloe vera colon cleanser (despite its name!) because it’s a gentle loosening agent that can help the digestive system and constipation was among. The most painful source for me after the op.
Meditation
I strongly recommend meditation to anyone. I used to meditate on the Tube while driving to work, which made my journey truly lovely. It is possible to do it anyplace, making difficult situations seem much simpler to manage. It definitely has helped me almost every day.
Focus On The Pain
We think of pain as an overstimulation of the nervous system as your body attempts to relay to your mind. Houston – we have a problem!” Your body usually communicates to the brain something as simple as “Don’t do that!” (or “Don’t do that again, you idiot!” and “That pan is really hot!” The body’s trying to tell you, “Look I know you don’t want to hear this, but somebody’s taken away a major organ here, you’ve got extensive bruising and you’d better not move or try and get out of bed until we figure out whether it’s safe to do that.”
If you consider that as a simple analogy. Imagine that. While trying to ignore the pain or reduce it using medication. The body reacts by cranking up the volume and trying to force you to be attentive and ensure “you do not reach for the remote control again like that because it’s bad for your damaged muscles.”
The best method to get your body to not shout is to stop and listen. Relax, feel the discomfort, acknowledge it, and acknowledge it. Then, let it go, and allow yourself to cry. If you wish, then let it go.
Distraction
One of my favorite things to do with lots of TVs. Your favorite movie. Delicious dinners. And magazines. laughing. calling or reading a book. an enjoyable foot massage. or anything else that helps you forget the situation.
Hot And Cold
In vain. I went to the stewardess asking for a different cushion to get comfy. But she said there was none. And I broke down in tears. The stewardess was kind enough and handed me an ice-cold water bottle. I sat the bottle on my back, then froze straight out (much to the delight of the guy beside me).
