After being discharged home
What can I do to manage my constipation ?
• Increase your fluid intake to 1-2 litres a day .
• Eat regular healthy meals including all the food groups .
• Exercise – go for regular short walks .
• Go to the toilet around ten minutes after you have eaten .
• Sit leaning forward slightly with your elbows on your knees .
It is important not to wait too long before you seek assistance with constipation . If your symptoms persist for 3 days , please contact your GP .
Treatment You should talk to your GP about your constipation to ensure you are taking the most suitable bowel medication for you . These include :
• Stool softeners
• Bowel stimulants
• Osmotic laxatives
• Bulk formers
• Suppositories and enemas
Physiotherapy when you leave hospital
It is important you continue to regularly do the exercises you were given by your physiotherapist . If you require physiotherapy after you have been discharged from hospital your physiotherapist will discuss this with you before you are discharged from hospital .
In some cases the injury is covered by ACC in which case you can attend any private practice physiotherapist , or in some exceptional cases a physiotherapist may be able to visit you at home .
Wound care
You should keep your wound covered with the waterproof dressing applied during your hospital stay , for 10 days following surgery . Wounds can take about 10 days to heal and you may notice some oozing for a few days . After 10 days no dressing is required if the
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