Post-Operative Instructions

Prior to being discharged from the hospital, the hospital nurse will provide you with any post-operative instructions and/or restrictions pertaining to your surgery and recovery.  These instructions are specific to you and your procedure, so please be sure to ask any questions you may have during this process.

RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES

• You should not lift, push, or pull anything heavier than 10 lbs. or lift anything above your shoulders until your first post-operative clinic visit
• Let pain be your guide- if it hurts, don’t do it. Otherwise, you may walk, take the stairs, ride in a car, or fly in a plane as long as it feels comfortable to do so.
• You may start driving when you feel you are safe to do so.
• DO NOT DRIVE WHILE TAKING NARCOTIC MEDICATIONS.
• Unless your job requires exceeding the guidelines provided above, you may return to work as soon as you would like.

MEDICATION

• You will experience minor pain after your surgery.  Tenderness around the scar usually lasts for 8-12 weeks after surgery.  To help take the edge off the pain, you may be provided with a prescription pain pill.
• Some of the pain medications can lead to constipation – an over the counter stool softener is recommended.
• If you normally take blood thinning medications such as Aspirin, Plavix, or Coumadin, you may resume their use in 5 days, unless otherwise instructed.

CARING FOR YOUR INCISION

• You can remove the large bulky bandage/dressing after you are discharged from the hospital.
• You should let the steri-strips covering the incision fall off on their own – they usually fall off within 7-10 days after your surgery.
• If you have sutures, they will be removed at your first post-operative clinic visit.
• You can take a shower the day after your surgery, however, do NOT actively wash or immerse your incision.  Do NOT submerge your incision under water, such as in a bath or a swimming pool.  Keep the incision clean, dry, and covered with a Band-Aid.  If the incision gets wet, blot it dry.
• Contact your provider if you notice any excessive swelling, redness or drainage from the incision or a fever of 101 or greater.

FOLLOW UP

You will receive your first post-op appointment information at the time of scheduling your surgery.  If for some reason you did not receive your appointment information or you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 979-207-7400.