How to use the pain pump
A pain pump is a small electronic device with a chamber filled with a solution of pain medication. It is attached to your IV fluid line and is activated by you with a remote control button. Each time you press the button, the device will give you a small dose of the pain medication.
Like most tools, you will get the best benefit with the least amount of problems if you follow the instructions and use it correctly. You will also need to score your pain levels correctly from zero to ten. Zero is no pain and ten is the worst pain you have ever experienced.
Please follow these instructions:
Start early
It is not about being brave or tough. You know why you are in pain - it is because you just have had an operation! When you feel your pain levels start to climb to about 2 to 4 out of ten, press the button.
Wait 5 minutes
There is a 5 minute safety timer programmed into the machine. You will not be able to get another dose within 5 minutes. 1 dose every 5 minutes is as much as the device can give you. It means that after each press, you will have to wait at least 5 minutes.
Have as many doses as you need to get your pain under control
Don’t count the number of doses. It doesn’t matter how many you have. You should aim to have as many doses (with 5 minutes in between doses) to achieve pain control. Please note that it is pain control (not pain free) we are trying to achieve. Bring your pain level down to about 2-4 out of 10. This means that there may a low level of pain/aches all the time and that's OK as long as the pain is under control.
Stop when you have pain control
Once your pain level is acceptable (2 - 4 out of 10), stop using the pump. Start using it again when the pain level starts to climb again.
No pain, no pump
At all times when you have no pain, please do not use the pump.
