After Surgery
Please read the instructions outlined below and refer to them for the next few weeks. These discharge instructions provide you with general information on caring for yourself after surgery. While your treatment has been planned according to the most current medical practices available, unavoidable complications occasionally occur. If you have any problems or questions after discharge, please call your surgeon.
DIET: Soft foods. No salads or raw/steamed fruit/vegetables for the first two weeks. Eat six smaller meals, rather than three main meals for the first week or two. It commonly takes 2-3 weeks for the bowel pattern to normalize. During that time, take nothing stronger than prune juice (4-6 oz. warmed) to encourage a bowel movement.
ACTIVITY: It is also normal to feel tired and take naps in the afternoon. Avoid lifting over 10 pounds. You may shower, but no tub bathing. Stairs are okay. No driving for 2 weeks. You may ride in a car. Walking is encouraged.
MEDICATIONS: (Please refer to the hospital discharge medication form)
- Resume all your usual pre-surgery medicines.
- It is normal to be sore for 2-4 weeks following surgery. Call your surgeon if this seems to be getting worse rather than better. Only take over-the-counter or prescription medicines for pain, discomfort, or fever as directed by your surgeon.
- No Aspirin for one week. If you take blood thinners such as Plavix, Coumadin, Warfarin, or Pradaxa, check with your surgeon when to begin them.
- Tylenol, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin OTC), or Tramadol 1 or 2 tablets of either every 4 hours if pain is not too severe.
- Dilaudid (2 mg) 1/2 to 1 tablet every four hours as needed for severe pain. Dilaudid will be constipating. You may stagger the dosing of Tylenol, Advil/Motrin, Tramadol or Dilaudid for more effective pain relief.
- Probiotic supplement (Activia, Align, Florastor, Culturelle) as directed by your surgeon
- Multivitamin (Centrum Silver) one daily.
CALL YOUR SURGEONS OFFICE IF YOU DEVELOP:
- An wound which becomes red, swollen, increasingly painful or begins to bleed/drain.
- An unexplained temperature over 101° F (38.3° C).
- Experience worsening abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- Bleeding with bowel movements
FOLLOW UP:
Notes the date for your after surgery appointment. Your postoperative course and pathology report will be reviewed. All questions will be answered, and continued care instructions given. Any outstanding balances will be collected at that time.