What to Do at Home After Surgery
A Dr. Marga patient with her husband.
The day of discharge from the hospital is exciting and many of us find it a challenge to remember what we can and can not do as we recover.
Dr. Marga wishes she could emulate Dr. Allen in his discharge instructions… “Ready to go? You can do anything you want!”… but, since having been a patient herself, she thinks you would want to embrace some of her better judgment:
Have a family member or friend travel with you for your surgery. You will need someone with you when you are in the hotel and while on the plane. It is helpful to have someone at home with you for the first several days.
Fill all prescriptions provided and take them as instructed.
STRIP your drain tubes with an alcohol wipe before and after meals and before bedtime (7 x per day) – “The Lucky 7!"
You should be taking an antibiotic until 24 hours after your last drain is removed. If you did not receive an antibiotic prescription or you have no pills remaining, please call us at 866-446-0962.
You should be walking at least short distances before and after each meal and before bedtime (7x per day).
Know the difference between your pain pills and your stool softener…. If you take a stool softener for pain, you will develop diarrhea and continue to hurt!
You should be discharged on a stool softener – if not, please purchase COLACE over the counter and take as directed. If you develop diarrhea, stop the colace and contact us at 866-446-0962.
All patients may shower UNLESS you have a YELLOW BOLSTER sewn to your wound i.e. in the case of a free nipple graft or skin graft. If you have a YELLOW BOLSTER, take a bird-bath and try not to submerge your wound in the water – You are not a submarine!
Do not submerge your wounds in water until all of your drains have been removed for 1 week.
No Driving while taking pain medications.
NO LIFTING > 5 LBS FOR SIX WEEKS!
No archery, no boxing, no baseball, no bowling, no vacuuming, no mountain biking, no downhill skiing… FOR SIX WEEKS!
Fear the milk container and OJ bottle on the top shelf of the fridge!
Stay away from large, excitable animals that might push you down.
Use a wheelchair in the airport – it may protect you from other people running to the gate!
You may resume sexual relations 1 week after your last drain is removed. And remember, start on–the-top, in a position of control, and take it easy!!!
Please see your local physician within the first 5 days of arrival to home. They may remove your drain(s) when the output is 30 cc or less per drain / 24 hours x 3 days.
Patients with VLNTx should wear their compression garments 24/7 and see their local lymphatic massage Physical Therapist within 2 days of arriving home.
If you have questions, please phone your personalized care coordinator at 866-446-0962.