Surgical Services

*Be sure to read your discharge papers for more detailed information!

NUTRITION:

• Return to normal pre-operative diet as soon as possible.

MEDICATION:

• Resume any regular medications, unless otherwise instructed.
• If needed, a prescription for pain can be provided.

ACTIVITY:

• Be sure to remain active to ensure healing, return of muscle tone and less pain with movement.
• Walk indoors/outdoors as much a possible.
• May go up and down stairs.
• Take frequent rest periods – fatigue and tiring is expected following surgery.
• Avoid extreme lifting, intense physical activity, and straining 4 - 6 weeks.  Light house work and yard work unless other wise instructed by the doctor.
• Avoid straining during bowel movement.  If constipation occurs try a laxative (i.e. 1-2 oz of Milk of Magnesia) to helps soften stools.
• The doctor will discuss return-to-work/school dates.
• Call the office for follow-up appointment(s) as instructed.

WOUND CARE:

• Sutures and/or staples (if present) will be removed in the office.
• Shower daily to keep incisions clean. Be sure to cleanse incision using regular soap and water following the line of incision and dry well afterwards.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs and soaking in bathtub unless doctor advises otherwise.
• Leave the incision open to air as much as possible.

EXPECTATIONS OF SURGERY:

• Minimal to moderate pain is expected.  If pain becomes intolerable, a oral pain medication can be prescribed.
• Minimal swelling & redness will be present.
• Little or no drainage, however if a drain was used you should expect minimal to moderate bloody drainage for 1-2 weeks.

CALL SURGEON IF:

• Excessive bleeding or drainage occurs.
• Excessive swelling or redness at wound site.
• Temperature over 101 degrees.
• Unusual pain, nausea and/or vomiting, severe abdominal bloating with no passage of gas.

IF OFFICE IS CLOSED and an EMERGENCY arises, please call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.  

A MISA surgeon can be reached by calling the office answering service at (309) 677-6019