Following are some general post operative care instructions. Every patient is unique and every surgery is different. Please talk to your physician to make sure you understand any post op instructions:
Anesthesia
You will have either a local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Please pay particular attention to the 48 hours following surgery: Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Avoid smoking. Do not drive a motor vehicle, operate machinery or power tools. You may experience light headiness, dizziness and sleepiness following surgery. Please do not stay alone. A responsible adult should be with you for 24-48hrs following surgery. Rest at home with slow, moderate activity as tolerated. Progress slowly to your regular diet. Start with liquids, working up to solids. Eat slowly and chew your food well.
Pain Management
Please remember each surgery is different and you will be given specific information regarding your surgery. Please call your physician before your scheduled surgery to have your questions answered. Take prescription medication as directed. Do not drive, operate machinery or power tools, and avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. Please do not take aspirin or medication containing aspirin for two weeks after surgery. This includes Anacin, Alka-Seltzer, Florinal, Empirin, Bufferin, Ascriptin, Excedrin, and some cold remedies. Do not take ibuprofen products. You may take Tylenol, extra strength Tylenol or Co-Tylenol. If you have any questions about a particular medication, please call you physician.
Dressings
You will be sent home with your dressings on, and we will begiven instructions on dressing changes. You may need to plan on having extra dressings available for your post op recovery time.
Bathing
You can usually shower within 48 hours. You will be given specific instructions regarding this from your physician. . Do not soak the incisions for a long period of time. We recommend sponge bathing. You should not take a bath or swim until you get the ok from your physician.
Apply Ice
You may find it soothing to apply cold packs to your surgery site. We recommend frozen peas., because they are light and pliable. Those can be found in the frozen section at any grocery stores.
Elevate
It is helpful to have extra pillows available to create more comfortable positions. Certain surgeries require you to have your head or legs elevated.
Reasons to call your Physician
Please call if you have any problems or you experience: Unusual pain, bleeding, swelling, or bruising in operative area. Signs of infection: pus, redness, fever, chills or excessive drainage. Pain that the prescribed medication does not affect.Difficulty in breathing, persistent nausea or vomiting.