Surgical wound care

  1. After 72 hours, please remove the dressing(s). You may then leave your incision open to air.
  2. If you have sutures or staples, they must come out in 10 to 14 days. Please call the office for an appointment.
  3. Do not get the wound wet for 72 hours after surgery.
  4. Do not submerge the incision site(s) underwater for 1 month after surgery.
  5. Do not vigorously scrub incision site after removal of the surgical dressing. Use a mild soap to shower (example: Dial or Ivory).

Medication management

  1. You will receive prescriptions for medication at discharge from the hospital.
  2. Medications will be refilled during normal office hours only. Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm – no exceptions. There are no refills on weekends or after hours. Please call your pharmacy and have them fax us a refill request.
  3. Three to four days after surgery begin supplementing Extra Strength Tylenol between your narcotic doses to decrease your use of narcotics until you no longer need the narcotics. Maximum intake of Tylenol per day is not to exceed 4000 mg. The narcotics that you are prescribed will contain some Tylenol (Acetaminophen content).
  4. . Increase your fluid intake to avoid constipation from the narcotic medication use for pain.

Activities

  1. No prolonged bending, stooping, squatting, pushing or pulling.
  2. No lifting greater than 5 pounds.
  3. No strenuous activities.
  4. Begin a daily walking program that gradually increases.
  5. No driving for 2 weeks after surgery. Do not resume driving until we give you specific instructions that it is safe. Note: In the state of Texas, if you had a seizure, you may not drive for 6 months.

Miscellaneous

  1. Your follow-up appointment should be in two to four weeks after your surgery date. Please call the office for an appointment upon discharge from the hospital.

When to call the doctor

  1. Fever greater than 101.5 orally.
  2. Redness, swelling or drainage at the wound site(s).
  3. Weakness, numbness unequal pupils, change in your vision, or any significant change in neurological status.
  4. Increased pain not relieved with medication.
  5. If you have a seizure.