When chronic pain is there before surgery

In this study, therefore, the researchers monitored the use of opioids pre and post-operatively. After some serious statistical work, the group found that younger people, anaesthetic technique, having a total knee replacement (as opposed to a total hip replacement), and longer stays were more likely to use a greater amount of opioid. And, more importantly, the scores obtained for fibromyalgia corresponded the most – an increased opioid consumption of 9.1mg for every 1-point increase on the 0 – 31 point scale. What does this mean for nonmedical clinicians working with people in that important post-operative period? Along with factors we already know about, such as the tendency to catastrophise or “think the worst”, it means this group of people need extra special care. Maybe we need to be very certain that these people have good pain relief on board before we start getting them to move. Maybe we need to carefully grade the amount of movement we ask from them in those early hours and days. Maybe we need to follow them up with very precise and careful prescribed exercises, and review these “at risk” people earlier than we need to for others. Pre-operatively too, we might have some good things to suggest. Watching our language – being cautious about emotive or alarmist language. Giving people visualisation and mindfulness training so they can use all that wonderful descending inhibition to reduce the sensitivity of their nervous system.Â...
Source: HealthSkills Weblog - Category: Occupational Therapists Authors: Tags: Coping strategies Occupational therapy Pain Pain conditions Physiotherapy Chronic pain function pain management self management surgery surgical pain THKR total knee joint replacement Source Type: blogs