You usually receive a lot of instructions just prior to leaving. The nurse will give you the highlights in writing, including a list of the medications you will need to take. It is hard to remember everything. As always, ask questions if you do not understand the instructions.
- Have a family member present to help recall what was said.
- Take notes and, specifically, find out:
- When to see the doctor again
- Dates and times if home physiotherapists are coming to you as well her contact number.
- When to change your bandages or come for dressing
- When bathing is permitted or what care to be taken during bath.
- When it is okay to be alone in the house
- When you can drive two wheelers or Car.
- Instructions about elevation of an operated extremity, and weight bearing on a leg after surgery.If you are unsure of these restrictions, please call your physician to get the exact information
- Understand about all medicines you need. Someone will have to get label all drugs prescribed to you.
- Do NOT place a pillow under your knee. . Elevate your leg with a pillow under your calf and ankle as instructed by Physiotherapist or our staff. Keep arm in sling as directed by your doctor. Rehabilitations Protocols
- Icing or CRYOCUFF: Keep cold therapy cuff or Ice bag on about 1 0 minutes every 2 hr for the first 24 hours after surgery. Icing is very important to decrease swelling and pain, and improve mobility. After 24 hours, continue to use the cuff 3-4 times a day, 10-15 minutes each time, to keep swelling to a minimum. It is very important that you keep a layer( plastic bag) in between the ice and your skin. DO NOT apply ice directly to skin.
- DRESSING: After 48 hours you may remove your dressing or come in person to visit hospital directly for dressing. There should be Medicated Band-Aids (white or brown rectangle pieces of tape) over your incisions. Please leave them on until your post op visit. Do not apply anything to incision. During your 12- 14 day post-op visit, your sutures will be removed. However, if you are placed in a splint after surgery, DO NOT REMOVE. This will stay on until you are seen at your post-op visit. Keep splint dry.
- Make sure you understand any signs of complications, such as infections or blood clots. Know how to quickly contact your doctor or healthcare team should you notice signs of complication or any emergency help.If you experience severe pain that is not relieved by the pain medication, please let us know. , redness or swelling in your thigh or calf,°If you experience a temperature over 101.5 please contact our office immediately at +91-278-2525129 or if after-hours, call our secretary on Mob. +91-9409072019 Or Directly HCG hospital for any Emergeney : +91-278-6640133 / +91-7573033350 and ask for the Orthopaedic Surgeon/ Medical officer on-call.
- Even at home, getting up to go the bathroom at night can be dangerous. Sleeping pills and pain medications can cause unexpected balance problems. Blood loss from surgery can make you feel dizzy when you first stand up.