After surgery you will have a follow up appointment with your doctor usually within 10 to 14 days. During this visit your doctor will check your healing and answer any questions you may have.

In addition to your follow up appointment, call your doctor, nurse or the hospital emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Vomiting lasting longer than 4 hours
• Large amount of swelling or bleeding
• Smelly discharge from the incision
• Red, hard, hot or painful area around the incision or your legs
• Shortness of breath
• No bowel movement within 3 days
• Fever above 101°F

For the first day or two after surgery have someone available who can help you. They should know your medications and other instructions you were given.

You may leave the surgery center with a bandage or dressing which should be kept dry and clean. Your doctor will tell you when to remove it and when you can shower or bathe. Call your doctor if the bandage becomes soaked through.

Your stomach may be upset and you may be constipated for a few days. This is often caused by the anesthesia or by certain pain medications. When you are ready to eat, start off with liquids, then move to solid foods. We recommend you initially avoid fatty, rich or spicy foods.

Drink at least 6 glasses of clear liquid such as water, apple juice, or ginger ale each day unless told otherwise. Try to avoid too many caffeinated beverages and alcohol

Post-surgical fitness and exercise is important for a full and speedy recovery. Talk to your doctor about what activities are good for you and any specific restrictions. You may be asked to do deep breathing and coughing exercises which help clear the lungs and improve blood flow. Do all activities as instructed and avoid those that cause pain at the surgical site.

• Take your pain medication as prescribed for at least the first day as directed. Don't wait until the pain is bad to take your medication.
• It is best to take your pain medication with food, which can reduce the possibility of an upset stomach.
• Pain medication can make you sleepy or dizzy.
• Take only as much medication as your doctor prescribes. If you're taking antibiotics, take them until the prescription is finished or your doctor tells you to stop.
• If the medication does not relieve your pain, your pain worsens or you have severe side effects, call your doctor.

Surgery Center Forms:

Cast Care Instructions

Crutch Walking Instructions

Drain Care