General Post-Operative Care Instructions
- Take pain-relieving and other medications as advised. Pain-relieving medications should be taken with food.
- Do not drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, operate any machinery, or sign a legal document for the first 24 hours after the surgery as the effects of the sedative and/or the anesthesia administered during the surgery may last for the first 24 hours of the surgery.
- Keep your surgical dressing clean and dry to promote wound healing.
- Keep the operated extremity elevated, above the level of your heart, to improve swelling and pain.
- Use ice packs to control swelling. However, make sure that the ice bag does not leak into the dressing. Ice packs can be used liberally for the first 48 hours and even later if required.
- Follow the specific activity restrictions, as advised.
- Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks.
- Attend your post-operative appointment as scheduled and come with any questions you may have.
Consult your doctor immediate if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Increased drainage from the incision
- Increased redness around the operated area
- Increased swelling that does not decrease with ice and elevation
- Foul odor
- Fever greater than 101°F
- Coldness, numbness or blanched white or bluish colored fingers/toes.
- Sudden calf pain and swelling.
- If you are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911 and go to the emergency room