For the first six hours after surgery, the spinal anaesthetic gives good pain relief. Thereafter for 48 hrs or so, the patients can administer there own pain relief using PCA (patent controlled analgesia). Morphine can be administered by the patient via a little pump attached to the back of the hand as and when required. Safeguards are in place to prevent the patient from overdosing.
After the first 48 hours, pain is usually controlled by simple painkillers such as Co-codamol and Brufen. Take the medication regularly to avoid pain.
After one week to 10 days, most patients start weaning themselves off the painkillers.