4OTC Painkillers and Distracting Activities
Pain may occur around your abdomen in the first few days after the surgery. The doctor will prescribe some painkillers to help you ease the discomfort. Common options include oxycodone, hydromorphone, or morphine. If you decide to take OTC medications, make sure to ask for advice from your healthcare provider and follow any direction. Some drugs would affect your body and slow down the healing process. Also, make sure to keep informed about the possible side effects, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and more. [6]
Similar to guided imagery, you can distract your mind from pain with some activities that bring pleasure. These include talking with your friends, listening to your favorite songs, watching a good movie, or cooking. These distracting tasks can be particularly effective with small kids and children. Keep in mind to avoid physical activities as your body needs time to recover from the surgery. Combining these options with guided imagery and painkillers to bring the best results. [7]















