SURGICAL PROCEDURES

What to Expect Before and After

 Printable full text version (see bottom of page)

Before you return home, you have to be able to perform basic activities including walking up and down stairs, getting in and out of bed, and maneuvering safely. If you cannot perform these basic tasks, you will be be allowed to go home.

At home, you will gradually spend more time out of bed as your energy level increases.Gentle exercise including walking of progressively longer distances, use of a treadmill, or a stationary bike maybe advocated. Housework should be avoided and you should not lift more than 10 pounds or stoop, crawl, or twist.

You can begin to drive whenever you feel you can but if narcotic pain medication has been prescribed, do not drive or operate machinery. You can return to a regular diet but beware of constipation from the anesthesia. You can also return to sexual activities when you feel comfortable.

Your post-op office visit will be approximately two weeks after surgery and until then you should change your surgical dressing once a day with dry gauze and tape. If necessary, physical therapy will be prescribed at this time.

Within six weeks after surgery, most patients are off strong pain medications and many restrictions will be lifted although heavy or impact activities are still to be avoided.

Three months after surgery, you will return to full and unrestricted activities. However, be cautious as it takes approximately six months for your recovery to reach maximum improvement.

<-Back to: Main article - Page 3