Post Operative Instructions

These are general instructions. Please refer to your discharge instructions or After Visit Summary for instructions specific to your surgery. 

Safety instructions: Do not drink alcohol, drive a motor vehicle, or operate machinery while taking your narcotic pain medication. 

Activities: No heavy lifting for four weeks post-op (ask your doctor for specific instructions related to your surgery). Resume your usual daily activities as quickly as is comfortable, expecting that there will be some discomfort for 1-2 weeks. Light, frequent exercise such as walking is encouraged but exhaustion should be avoided (several short walks a day, rather than one long one). You may resume sexual activity if it is comfortable at 2 weeks post-op. Do not drive while you are on narcotic medications (e.g. oxycodone). 

Pain Control: Use cold packs on the incisions for 15 minutes every 2 hours, making sure the skin does not get too cold. If you use ice, put a towel or cloth between the ice and the skin to prevent skin damage.  I recommend using acetaminophen (Tylenol) 1000 mg every 8 hours alternating with ibuprofen 800 mg every 8 hours. This means you should be taking something every 4 hours. Do this for the first 48 hours (about 2 days), then use them as needed.   When the pain is severe, you can take oxycodone.  Use it sparingly as it is strong and addictive.  

Work: You may return to work as early as one week after surgery for a "desk job", but two weeks off is recommended as your endurance will still be compromised.  

Diet: No dietary restrictions. Try to take a well-balanced, high-protein diet for at least the first few weeks post-op. A multivitamin + mineral supplement 1-2 times a day, and vitamin C 500mg 4 times a day is also recommended. You should take laxatives throughout the period during which you are taking opiate pain medicines. 

Wounds: If you have skin glue (DermaBond), you may shower immediately.  If you have sutures or staples without glue, you should wait until 2 days after surgery before showering.  You should not soak in a bathtub, hot tube, or go swimming for 1-week post-operatively. Do not apply lotions or creams to skin glue if you have it.  If you have open wounds, please refer to your specific wound care instructions.