Post Surgery Advice
After surgery you must follow all post surgery advice.
Wound care
Do not remove your dressing until your two week appointment with the specialist or with your GP. If attending a GP, the dissolving sutures do not need to be removed, but should be snipped off at skin level. Usually there is one at either end of the wound. If the dressing becomes damp, it will need to be changed. Don’t attempt this yourself. Contact your GP or your GP’s nurse for an appointment, to redress the wound.
Infection
If there are any signs of infection, such as the area becoming red, hot, tender or oozing, or if you develop a temperature then notify the main rooms immediately. If it is after-hours then please contact your GP or emergency department. Mr Edis should be notified as soon as practical once you have been assessed. Deep infection may require further surgery to drain and wash out the wound and this should not be delayed. It is often not appropriate to just treat with antibiotics.
Sore throat
You may have a sore throat after surgery, which is normal, and is usually caused by the tube which is put down your throat to help you stay anaesthetised. This should improve over a few days to weeks.
Voice changes and swallowing problems
If you have had neck surgery, you may notice changes in your voice, or have some difficulty when swallowing. This is normal in the first few weeks but should slowly improve. Eat pureed, small portions of soft food initially. Let the surgeon know if this persists beyond the first few weeks.
Constipation
You may be on strong painkillers that often have the side effect of constipation and sleeplessness. Before these issues become too troublesome, visit your GP for help with your symptoms, as it is not advisable to strain when on the loo. Eat 4-6 serves of fruit and vegetables every day (5-6 prunes x 3 times/day may be helpful) and drink at least 6-8 cups of fluid daily.
Posture and activity advice
If you have had lumbar spinal surgery, change position frequently through the day, alternating between sitting, standing, laying down and walking. Deep sofas should be avoided. Prolonged sitting should also be avoided.
Do not twist or bend your back until you have been instructed it is safe to do so and do not lift anything heavier than about 2 kilograms
You are encouraged to walk around every day, on level ground, accompanied where possible by someone else, starting with about 2-3 minutes, 2-3 times per day, and gradually increasing the time by about 1 -5 minutes every day, to tolerance. If you feel very tired and sore at the end of the day, cut the time back, then gradually build up again. Try not to overdo walking or activities. Rest is also important in getting well.
Prevention of thrombosis
The most important way to reduce DVT and Pulmonary Embolism risk is to remain active and keep the blood flowing in your legs by contracting the muscles.
If you are wearing TED stockings, these will need to be worn for the first two weeks, or until you are becoming more active. The stockings do not need to be worn when laying in bed, but should be applied before getting out of bed in the morning. They should not have any wrinkles or rolls, which can cause a ligature and may lead to the formation of a blood clot.
Braces
If you are wearing a neck brace, you can remove this for sleeping and showering, but it must be used for at least six weeks when travelling in the car, or when walking around.
If you have been given a lumbar brace then it may be required to be worn for up to 3 months. Again it is only for when you are mobilising out of bed and patients can sleep and shower without the brace.
Pain after surgery
You may have had complete resolution of your symptoms after surgery and then develop some pain and symptoms within the next few days. This is quite normal, as long as you are coping with the symptoms and they do not continue to worsen. If you are concerned, then contact the main rooms or seek medical evaluation with your usual doctor or after hours medical service.
Some people have a lot of pain after surgery. If your pain-relieving medication is not adequate, see your usual doctor or phone the main rooms.
The pain could be significant in the first few weeks but should gradually start to ease, within the next two weeks. Some people continue to notice improvement 6-12 months down the track, as nerves heal and repair very slowly.
Tiredness
You may feel very tired and lethargic for weeks after your surgery, which is normal. Spine surgery, and hip and knee replacements are major surgery. It takes the body time to heal and it may be months before you start to feel strong again.
Smoking
Do not smoke after surgery as this hinders wound healing and bone growth.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is very helpful after surgery. You will be directed to one of the physiotherapy clinics we work with or we are happy to work with your usual therapist if you have one.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is also helpful for building up muscle strength. You can discuss how to access this option when you next visit, or phone for details.
Follow up appointments
Two weeks after surgery you will have a follow-up appointment for a wound check and general discussion regarding your recovery.
You will see Mr Edis six weeks after your surgery, but if there are significant concerns prior to the six weeks then contact our rooms. The staff will advise you about what is the best course of action for you, and will pass on your concerns to Mr Edis.
You may require more long-term appointments for complex surgery. These will be advised by staff at the time of your surgery.
Please arrange to have your routine follow-up imaging before your appointments. Please call the office if you are not sure.
