period. For example, if the time limit between doses is 10 minutes and the button is pressed before 10 minutes have passed, no drug will be released. This is a safety measure to keep you from overdosing. ‚
Why is this procedure done?
Patient-controlled pain relief lets you give yourself certain pain drugs. It is also called PCA or PCEA. Limits are set on the pump for how much drug can safely be given. In a hospital or home setting, you are hooked up to a computerized infusion pump. It releases the right amount of drug. The pump can be used over a few days or for weeks. The drug is most often given into a vein or as an epidural. ‚
You may have a PCA or PCEA if you have: ‚
- Pain after surgery
- Cancer pain
- Sickle cell crisis
- Pain when having a baby or after a C-section
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What will the results be?
- You will have better control over your pain and use fewer drugs for pain.
- You will have a shorter wait time from when you feel pain and the time the drug is given. You do not have to wait for a nurse or caregiver to give you the drug.
- You do not have the discomfort of repeated shots.
- There is less chance of drug dosing errors or overdosing since only a set dose is given.
- The pump records how much drug was used and how often it was given.
What happens before the procedure?
The doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Any pain drugs you are taking or have taken in the past.
What happens during the procedure?
Based on the cause of your pain, the doctors will do one of these procedures: ‚
- Place a small tube into one of your veins so that the drug can get into your bloodstream. This is called intravenous, or I.V.
- Put a catheter into your lower back. This is done by a trained anesthesiologist. The drug from the infusion pump is given through the catheter. This is an epidural.
What happens after the procedure?
- The staff will make sure the pump is working and you are getting the right amount of pain relief.
- Your breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels will be checked often.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching the tubing.
- Ask your doctor when you may return to daily activities like driving or work.
- Do not let someone else press the button. Only you should press the button to release the drug. In some cases, like the parent of a small child, the caregiver may be trained to do this.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will need to refill the pump and replace the batteries at some point. Ask when your doctor will need to do this.
What problems could happen?
- Allergic reaction to the drug
- Side effects like upset stomach, hard stools, sleepiness
- Slower breathing rate or person with sleep apnea may stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer when sleeping
- Pump is not working the right way
- Dose is set too low or the "lock out period is too long. A sleeping patient may not use the button and wake up in pain. When this happens, a nonstop infusion method may be helpful.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a bad reaction. These include trouble breathing; chest tightness; fever; itching; blue skin color; seizures, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the site; site opens up.
- Too sleepy and still having too much pain
- Upset stomach, itching, or throwing up
- Pump alarm goes off
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚