If your surgeon prescribes pain medication for you upon your discharge from the hospital in La Crosse, observe these recommendations:
Do not drive while taking pain medications.
Take pain medications with food, as they may make you nauseous.
Take a stool softener if prescribed, as medications may be constipating. Use as directed with a full glass of water. When your bowels have returned to normal function, you may discontinue the stool softener.
Do not take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as your pain medication may already contain it.
Take the pain medication only as prescribed and only if you need it. If you find you no longer need something as strong, you may switch to acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen or naproxen sodium (Aleve), whichever is your preference.
Contact your surgeon if you're having uncontrolled pain, or nausea or vomiting with use of the pain medication.
Contact your surgeon 48 hours in advance for medication refills to allow adequate time to contact your pharmacy.
Walking around your home is encouraged, as activity will help decrease your pain.
Not all treatments, tests and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Check with your preferred location in advance.