Post-op Instructions
The following are general guidelines for you after surgery. You will need physician instruction to clarify dressing instructions, appointments and whether to take anti-inflammatory medication after your surgery.
Medications: Take medication for pain as directed by the label on the prescription bottle. Pain pills should be taken with food as they can cause nausea. Drink and eat plenty of fluids and fruits to help avoid constipation. Pain prescriptions cannot be called or faxed in and are not refilled after hours or on weekends – please plan accordingly with the medical staff.
Do not drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, sign a legal document, for the first 24 hours post-surgery due to the sedatives and/or anesthesia received during surgery.
Activity: Go directly home and rest after surgery. The following day, you will receive a phone call from a member of the surgeical team to check in with you. On this day, you should advance activity as tolerated unless otherwise specified by your surgeon. Gently cough and take deep breaths every few hours for three days following surgery.
Use ice to control swelling. Apply ice for 20 minutes each hour, making sure ice bag does not leak into dressing.
Do not remove dressing unless specifically instructed to do so by your surgeon. Keep it clean and dry. The original dressings need to remain in place at least the first 48 hours. Some bleeding is to be expected from the surgical incision, and the dressing may need to be reinforced. If necessary remove the ace wrap, place new dressing over the original dressing, and reapply the ace wrap.
Diet: Begin with clear liquids and eat a light diet after surgery. Avoid spicy, hot or gaseous foods (such as pizza and chili), as they may increase chances for nausea. Advance diet as tolerated. Drink a minimum of two liters daily (seven 10oz glasses of fluid).
Call your surgeon’s office if any of the following occur:
- Temperature by mouth over 101 degrees
- Pain not relieved after taking medication as directed
- Rash, itching or other adverse reaction after taking pain medication
- Continued nausea or vomiting
- Extreme swelling around operative area
- Inability to urinate
- Any other urgent concern
Make your follow-up appointment with your physician as instructed.
