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Post-Procedure Recovery
Take the Next Steps to Feeling Better What you do during the first few days after surgery is key for a smooth, successful recovery. It’s common to feel tired, achy, or sick to your stomach after a procedure. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you feel better. Your care team will tell you when you can start sipping liquids and eating after your procedure. If you have any tubes or drains, they will be removed as soon as safely possible. Make sure you follow your doctor’s orders for moving, getting out of bed, and walking to help your body heal faster. And ask your doctor when you can: Go home Return to a normal diet Start physical therapy or rehabilitation, if needed Go back to work Start normal activities again, such as driving, exercise, and sex Incision Care As your incision heals, you’ll notice swelling, soreness, and bruising begin to go away. Your incision may also itch, but don’t scratch it—scratching can introduce germs that could cause an infection. Talk with your nurse and make sure you know how to take care of your incision before you’re discharged from the hospital. Call Your Nurse Have your nurse call button where you can easily reach it. Call immediately if you: Feel more pain and pain medication doesn’t help Have chest congestion or trouble breathing
Manage Pain It’s normal to have some pain after a procedure, but it should be manageable. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat your pain. They may prescribe certain medications or show you other ways to lessen pain, like applying ice or heat to the area. Taking non-opioid pain medications on a schedule can help keep pain under control. Your doctor may also prescribe opioid pain medication if you need it. } See p. 11 for information about taking opioids safely.
Wound Care Scan the code for more detailed information on caring for your surgical wound.
See bright red blood at your incision See signs that your incision is opening Notice signs of infection—like drainage, redness, heat, or swelling—around your incision If you have any of these symptoms after you leave the hospital, call your healthcare provider right away.
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