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When to Call for Post-Op Symptoms and Questions

Home Care Advice

General Care Advice after Surgery

1. What You Should Know:
   • Follow your post-op instructions carefully. This will help prevent problems after surgery.
   • You can treat mild post-op symptoms at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Follow Your Surgeon's Instructions:
   • Carefully follow all the instructions your surgeon gave you.
   • If the general care advice below is different, follow your surgeon's instructions instead.
3. Changing a Dressing:
   • Change the wound dressing if it gets wet or dirty.
   • Follow the dressing directions your surgeon gave you.
   • A dressing that works well is a Telfa dressing covered by gauze. Telfa is a dressing that does not stick to the skin. You can buy it at the drugstore. Place a piece of Telfa on the wound and cover it with a gauze pad.
   • Keep the dressing in place in the same way the surgeon did (such as tape or ace wrap).
   • In most cases, a dressing is no longer needed when the edges of the wound close (usually 48 hours). However, your surgeon may instruct you leave the dressing on longer. This can help protect the wound and catch any drainage.
4. Keep Incision Clean and Dry:
   • Keep the incision dry for first 24 hours after surgery (use a sponge bath).
   • Your surgeon will tell you when you can remove your dressing. When the dressing is removed, you can shower. Avoid water pressure directly on the incision. Pat the incision area dry with a clean towel.
   • Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the wound daily. You can buy this at the store. This helps protect the wound and limits scarring. Exception: if your doctor recommended an antibiotic ointment, use that instead.
   • Do not bathe or swim for 2 weeks (or whenever the surgeon says it is ok).
5. Local Cold for Pain and Swelling:
   • Use cold pack for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
   • Cold helps reduce pain and swelling.
   • Apply the cold pack (or an ice bag wrapped in a towel) to the incision area for 15 minutes.
   • Repeat this once an hour as needed.
6. Clear Liquids for Nausea and Vomiting:
   • Drink clear fluids in small amounts for 8 hours after surgery.
   • Sip water or sports drinks (like Gatorade or Powerade).
   • You can also drink half-strength, flat lemon-lime soda or ginger ale.
   • Drink small amounts (1 tablespoon) every 5 minutes.
   • After 4 hours without vomiting, you can increase the amount you drink.
7. Dizziness and Drowsiness:
   • Anesthesia and IV medicines given during surgery can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
   • These symptoms usually get better and go away within 12 to 24 hours after surgery.
   • When getting out of bed, sit up for a few minutes before you stand up.
   • Sit down or lie down if you feel dizzy.
   • Make sure you have someone with you the first 24 hours after surgery.
8. Do Not Smoke:
   • Do not smoke during the first month after surgery.
   • Smoking slows wound healing.
9. Activity after Surgery:
   • Follow the activity instructions your surgeon gave you.
   • For most surgeries, you can start light exercise (walking on a level surface) the day after surgery. Walking and light exercise lowers the chance of blood clots and constipation.
   • Avoid any vigorous activity or heavy lifting for 4 weeks after surgery.
10. What to Expect:
    • Pain and swelling: Incision pain and swelling are often worst on day 2 and 3 after surgery. The pain should slowly get better during the next 1 to 2 weeks. Mild itching is common as the incision heals.
    • Redness: Mild redness along the incision is common. It should gradually get better and go away. Call your doctor if the red area spreads (gets larger) or red streaks occur. These could be signs of an infection.
    • Drainage: Small amounts of clear drainage or a few drops of blood from the incision are common in the first few days. Call your doctor if the drainage increases, becomes cloudy (pus), or smells bad. These could be signs of an infection.
    • Dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea: These symptoms usually get better and go away within 12 to 24 hours after surgery.
11. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Severe pain
    • Fever
    • Vomiting lasts more than 4 hours
    • Signs of dehydration
    • Wound looks infected (spreading redness, streaks, or drainage)
    • You think you need to be seen
    • You get worse

Over-the-Counter Pain Medicines

1. Pain Medicine:
   • You can take one of the following drugs if you have pain: acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).
   • They are over-the-counter (OTC) pain drugs. You can buy them at the drugstore.
   • Use the lowest amount of a drug that makes your pain feel better.
   • Acetaminophen is safer than ibuprofen or naproxen in people over 65 years old.
   • Read the instructions and warnings on the package insert for all medicines you take.
2. Call Your Doctor If:
   • You have more questions
   • You think you need to be seen
   • You get worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.