Your instructions after surgery will cover which medicines to take and when, your level of activity, what foods to eat, and the use of special equipment. You will also get instructions on taking care of your incision, including bathing, changing the bandage, and symptoms to look for that may be a problem.
One of the most important things you can do for yourself after surgery is to get up and move around several times a day. But be careful not to do too much.
Here are some tips:
Your doctor may give you instructions on when you can do your normal activities again, such as driving, having sex, and going back to work.
Your doctor will talk with you about restarting your medicines. The doctor will also tell you about taking any new medicines.
Your doctor will talk with you about restarting any of your child's medicines and starting any new medicines.
If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed. If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
If your doctor told you when you can start eating and what foods you can eat, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
If your child has signs of infection, call your doctor. These signs include:
Also call the doctor if your child has pain that doesn't get better after your child takes pain medicine. A baby or child in pain may show certain signs. A child with severe pain will have more of these behaviors and may be harder to comfort. Look for:
Everyone recovers from surgery at a different pace. Your discharge plan will help you leave the hospital safely. It will outline the care you need. You will get information about your medicines, when to see your doctor again, and how to take care of your bandages. You'll also learn about activity and diet.
Before you start, make sure you have gauze pads, a box of medical gloves, surgical tape, a plastic bag, and scissors.
Use these steps.
The most common problems after surgery are pneumonia, bleeding, infection, bruising or blood clotting (hematoma) at the surgery site, and reactions to the anesthesia. Inflammation or nerve injury from the surgery can cause pain. Side effects of anesthesia include nausea and constipation. These concerns can be treated. Treatments will help you be more comfortable.
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