Preparing for Your Procedure
After Your Procedure
Rest: Take it easy for at least 24 hours. We encourage you not to do anything that requires balance, judgment, or coordination.
For 24 hours DO NOT:
• Drive, operate machinery or use household appliances
• Drink alcohol
• Make important decisions or sign legal documents
Shower or Bathing: Keep your surgical dressing clean and dry. Follow your doctor’ s instructions regarding when it is okay to resume bathing.
Follow-up Appointment: Call to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
Mild flu-like symptoms: It is normal to have mild flu-like symptoms. You may experience muscle aches, throat irritation, headache, or nausea.
Diet: Avoid nausea by slowly introducing food as tolerated. Avoid spicy or greasy foods for the first day. Add more substantial food to your diet to help you heal sooner. Increase intake of fluids and fiber to avoid constipation.
Babies: Breast milk or formula may be given as soon as the child is hungry.
Medications: Resume taking your usual medication per doctor instructions. Take prescribed pain medication with food. If no pain medication is prescribed, please clarify what you can take with your doctor.
Constipation: Narcotic pain medication can cause constipation. Drinking fluids and eating fiber can help prevent this. You may also use a stool softener or gentle laxative.
Call your doctor if you experience:
• Fever greater than 101 ° F.
• Pain not relieved by medication.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting.
• Excessive bleeding( blood soaking through dressing).
• Unexpected drainage from wound.
• Extreme redness or swelling around the incision site, discharge, or unpleasant smell around the incision area.
• Inability to urinate / empty your bladder within 8 hours.
If you experience any of the above symptoms and are unable to contact your doctor or surgical center, go to the nearest emergency or urgent care.
CALL 911 IF YOU DEVELOP PROBLEMS BREATHING OR CHEST PAIN
NOT PART OF MEDICAL RECORD Page 4 of 4