Please contact our office immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Sudden bulging or swelling of your incision, with difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• Any symptoms like the ones before surgery (dizziness, visual or speech disturbances, weakness of the extremities).
• Foul smelling or excessive drainage from the incision.
• Increased pain in the incision.

 

Check your incision daily until healed. If you are unable to see the incision, use a mirror or have a family member check it for you.

Some swelling, incision discomfort, numbness or clear drainage is normal.

Do not apply lotions or ointments to the incision(s), unless directed by the doctor.

The clear tape over the incision will fall off gradually. You may trim the parts of tape that come loose and hang.

Check your temperature if you feel warm, and call if it remains over 100 degrees for 2 days.

Activities:

• No lifting over 10 pounds.
• No pushing, pulling or straining.
• Walking up steps is permitted.
• You may shower or bathe.
• No driving until after your first follow-up visit.
• No long trips during the first two weeks following surgery.
• Sexual activity may resume depending upon comfort level.

 

Increase your activities gradually on a daily basis. By one month after surgery, your activities should be back to normal.

Diet

Follow a low-cholesterol diet when your appetite has returned to normal.

Medications

We will review your medications with you at the time of your discharge from the hospital. Please call if you experience any adverse reactions (hives, rash, swelling, dizziness, itching, nausea, vomiting) to your medications.

Smoking

Smoking is the worst possible activity you can do. No amount of smoking is okay. Smoking decreases the circulation of blood throughout your body. If you need help to quit smoking, our office can provide assistance.

Please feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns you may have.

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