Within twelve hours after the operation the tissues are almost certain to become quite sensitive to pressure. The reaction may be followed by considerable pressure pain for a day or two. Should the patient not be comfortable while at rest, that is sitting about or lying down; then something should be given to relieve the pain. Codeine is the most satisfactory agent for preventing the patient from feeling pain during the most acute stage of the reaction. Codeine does not put the patient to sleep as does morphine, nor does codeine constipate or make the skin itch. Codeine is only about one-third or one-fourth as toxic as morphine and consequently it may be given in a proportionately larger dose. It may be given in tablet form or in solution by the mouth. The best way to administer it is in doses of one-half grain every hour while the patient is suffering actual pain. Tell the patient that it will relieve him of unpleasant symptoms during the reaction and that it is undesirable that he should suffer from the reaction. In this way the patient will be kept quite comfortable during the time that the reaction is sufficient to cause pain. It is impossible to tell whether the reaction will be such as to cause any pain or not. In case it does not develop no internal treatment is necessary. Other agents may be used to relieve pain, though none offer the advantages of codeine without disadvantages. It is not advisable to let these patients suffer from a severe reaction. It is better to meet the first indications of pain with the free administration of codeine. The patient should not know the nature of the drug, and as it produces none of the peculiar effects of morphine it is not really a drug at all dangerous from the habit forming standpoint.
Local applications of heat or cold may be used if the reaction is well marked.