Returning Patients
I'm in Recovery
Your surgery is over and now you are in recovery! Follow these simple protocols to ensure that you heal as quickly as possible.
Ice and elevation really helps
Make sure you ice and elevate the affected area for 24-48 hours. This will help reduce swelling and pain. Use the ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, every 2-3 hours. Do not put the ice directly onto your skin. Put a wash cloth or hand towel on your skin first to protect it from too much ice.
Keep your wound dry and clean
Don't remove the dressing on your wound for at least five days or when your doctor tells you. Shower quickly and keep the wound covered. Use a clean, dry gauze to clean the wound and do not use any ointments unless instructed to do so.
Use your sling!
Use your sling as per the doctor's orders! You may have to use it all the time or just for comfort. Your doctor will give you instructions.
Casts
Don't get your cast wet or put anything inside it, like lotion, powder, etc.
Take pain medication as prescribed
Make sure you take your pain medication as prescribed. You may also resume your pre-operative medications, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you experience significant pain, despite taking the prescribed pain medication, you can also take Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin or Aleve. You can do this as long as you have no history of stomach ulcers, gastro-intestinal bleeding and are not allergic to Coumadin.
Contact your doctor immediately if...
If you are experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- Excessive bleeding, swelling, or pain
- Signs of infection: fever of 101 degrees or more, red streaks on skin, pus from the wound (some light drainage is expected)
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Intolerance to the pain medication
Follow-up appointment
If you don't have an appointment already, call us at 609-896-0444 to schedule one.