Diet
When you return home you may return to your normal diet immediately. Because of the stress and anxiety, you might start with lighter foods (non-fried) but you really have no restrictions. To avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids during the day (eight to 10 glasses).

Wound
Your incision is sealed from outside bacteria within two days of surgery. Nonetheless, you should protect it from dirt and soiling for the first 10 days or so. The incision will be tender for the first week and the edges should NOT be pulled apart. The steri-strips should be left on for at least 10-14 days, if possible. If a NEW area of redness or swelling occurs, please let us know.

Activity
Your physical activity is to be restricted, especially during the first two weeks. During this time use the following guidelines:
a. No lifting heavy objects (anything greater than 10 pounds).
b. No driving a car; limit long car rides.
c. No strenuous exercise, limit stair climbing to minimum. No severe straining during bowel movements. Take a laxative, if necessary.

Bowels
It is important to keep your bowels regular during the postoperative period. Use a mild laxative, if needed (two to three tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia, for example, or two Dulcolax tablets), and call if you are having problems.

Medication
You should resume your pre-surgery medication unless told not to. In addition you will often be given some type of pain medication and stool softeners. These should be taken as prescribed (indicated on the side of the bottle), unless you are having an unusual reaction to one of the drugs.

Problems you should report to us
a. Fever over 100.5 Fahrenheit
c. Increasing pain, swelling or redness of the incision
d. Drug reactions (hives, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)

Follow-up
You will need a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress. Call for this appointment at the above number when you get home or from the phone in your hospital room before leaving. The first appointment will usually be about seven to 14 days after your surgery.

Top    Back