Congratulations! You’re through surgery. Now it’s time to recover. Below is a list of instructions for care at home.

Incision:

• Keep the dressing/incisions clean and dry. You may shower when you get home. Avoid direct water pressure to the dressing and do not submerge in water such as in swimming or bathing. If the dressing becomes wet, pat dry with a towel.

• Maintain your dressing for two weeks until your follow-up appointment. Your stitches are under the skin and will dissolve over time.

Activity:

• We want you up and walking as much as you feel comfortable (around the house and even short walks outside the house)

• Try to avoid sitting or standing in one position for a prolonged period of time as this can cause you to be sore. If you anticipate having to do this (e.g. a long car trip or standing in place for a prolonged period), try to change positions and stretch every 30 minutes.

• Avoid any activities that involve increased pressure/strain to your back or abdomen.

• Do not drive for at least 2 weeks after surgery. After 2 weeks, drive only when you are comfortable and pain-free at the wheel, you are able to check your blind spot, and you are off opioids, muscle relaxants and any other medicine that could impair you. Before getting back on the road, practice somewhere safe (e.g. an empty parking lot) to make sure you can drive safely.

• Avoid tobacco products which can inhibit wound and bone healing.

• Nutrition is key – eat well!

First 6 weeks:

• No bending, lifting or twisting for 6 weeks. Do not lift anything over 10 to 15 pounds.

• Do not submerge the incision in water (bath, pool, hot tub) for 6 weeks. Showering is OK.

• Walking is your main exercise. Formal physical therapy is only needed for some patients, and we will tell you if you need it.

• No NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for 3 months.

When to call us:

• Fever over 101.5°F that lasts more than 8 hours despite Tylenol, or redness or any pus from the incision

• Opening of the incision with significant drainage

• Concern for blood clot in the leg (increased pain, swelling, warmth/redness in legs or chest pain/shortness of breath)

• Any new or worsening neurologic changes (numbness, tingling, weakness, any change in balance, loss of bowel/bladder control)

• New onset positional headaches, clear drainage, nausea/vomiting

• Any issues with your stomach/abdomen, including worsening pain, distention

• Any other symptoms of concern

Constipation

• Decreased activity and the use of pain medications following surgery may lead to constipation

• Drink lots of liquids and eat foods high in fiber

• If you become constipated, you can take over-the-counter stool softeners such as Colace or laxatives such as Ducolax, MiraLax, and Metamucil.

• If having persistent constipation issues that have not resolved with over-the-counter treatments, you can try the following recipe:

  • ½ cup orange juice

  • ½ cup prune juice (heat combined juices in microwave to room temperature)

  • 2 Tablespoons Milk of Magnesia

  • 2 Tablespoons Magnesium Citrate

  • Wait 1 hour, if it does not work, take again

  • DO NOT LEAVE THE HOUSE FOR AT LEAST 1 DAY

• If any questions or if you experience abdominal fullness/discomfort please call the office