How to take care of yourself after surgery?
1. Swelling and Bruising:
– Bruising and Swelling will occur within 48-72 hours after surgery. The third day usually is the worst and then it will gradually get better after day 4.
– Bruising will be better after 4 days and will fade away within 21days.
– Swelling will subside quite quick in the first 2-3 weeks and then gradually subside up to 3-6 months.
– Cold compress with a cold pack or a bag of ice is needed in the first 3 days. It will help to reduce swelling and bruising.
2. Pain and Medication:
– The most painful moment is right after surgery and the first day. In some patients, it will take some time until all the pain is gone.
– Surgeons recommend taking pain killers only when you are in pain. Do not take it more than 6 times per day.
– There is some side effect such as nausea or dizzy
– If there is some rash or itchy occurrence after taking medication, the patient needs to inform the surgeon immediately.
3. Medication Dosage:
– The antibiotic medication needs to be taken until it finishes.
-Any underlying condition and medication needs to be informed and adjusted by a surgeon or medical doctor both before and after surgery.
– Do not take Aspirin or any medication in Aspirin group, Vitamin E, Herbs, or any supplements at least 2 weeks before and after surgery. It can cause bleeding and bruising.
4. Smoking and Drinking:
– You must cease smoking 4 weeks prior and 4 weeks post surgery as the Nicotine causes the delayed wound healing.
– You must cease drinking 2-4 weeks prior and 2-4 weeks post surgery.
5. Sleeping:
– Get enough sleep and rest after surgery.
– Sleep on your back position and use 1-2 pillows to place your under both knee and leg above the heart level, it will help reduce swelling.
– You must ensure you do not use your abdomen muscles to get in and out of bed.
– Ensure that you sleep on your back for the initial 2-3 weeks post surgery.
– Keeping your hips and knees slightly bent can reduce swelling
– you may find it beneficial placing 1-2 pillows under your knees.
– It is a good idea to place 2 pillows on either side of your waist to rest your arms and to keep you from turning onto your side.
6. Wound care:
– Before the surgeon removes surgical drain tubes, patients can take a sponge bath.
– After the surgeon removes surgical drain tubes, surgeons will put waterproof dressing so you can have a quick shower.
– Check waterproof dressing, make sure it is clean and dry all the time and do not water get into the wound at least 3-4 days after surgery
– Do not touch the wound directly after removing waterproof dressing.
– Use wooden cotton buds with normal saline to clean the wound and apply antibiotic cream twice a day.
– Surgeon will remove stitches in 7-10 days depending on the wound healing
– If there is any sign of infection or complications, please inform surgeons immediately.
– Scar cream, scar gel, or silicone sheet can be used 5-7 days after removing all stitches or as soon as the wound is recovered.
7. Abdominal compression garment:
– You must wear an abdominal compression garment for 24 hours at least 1-2 months after surgery or as long as the surgeon recommended.
8. Exercise:
– During the first 5 days after surgery, it is important not to engage in any activity which will elevate the blood pressure and possibly cause bruising or hematoma under the skin.
– Do not extend your body for at least 1 month.
– Avoid exercise for 6-8 weeks as it increases swelling and could alter the results of your surgery.
– Normal exercise or Light exercise, fast walking, and running is permitted 6 weeks after surgery.
– Do not lift any objects heavier than 5 kilos in the first 6 weeks.
– Avoid hot tubs or saunas at least 6 months after surgery.
– Do not participate in any contact sports for at least 6 months.
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