ACTIVITY Advance activity as tolerated, but avoid strenuous activity and straining. You may climb stairs. If you’ve had a mastectomy, you may use your arm normally, but do not do arm exercises until the drains have been removed. Do not lift more than 20 pounds for six weeks after a major abdominal operation or hernia repair. Ambulate several times a day to promote good circulation. Do not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery while taking narcotic pain medication. DIET Drink plenty of liquids. (Medications may cause constipation.) Take laxative of choice for constipation. (If you have had colon surgery, call before taking any laxatives.) Call the office for prolonged nausea or vomiting. Do not drink alcohol while taking narcotic pain medication or within 24 hours of anesthesia. DRESSING and WOUND CARE Follow specific instructions given to you at discharge. You may shower. Leave steri-strips in place (small bandage strips). Call the office for excessive bleeding or drainage. After breast surgery, you may wear a bra for comfort. DRAINS If you have a drain in place, care for the drain as the nursing staff has instructed. Measure the output from the drain each time you empty it. MEDICATIONS Resume regular medications which were taken before the operation. Do not restart blood-thinning medications unless instructed to do so. Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) for mild pain. Take prescription pain medications for more severe pain. Over-the-counter medications may be used for indigestion. Follow-Up Care Call for excessive pain, fever > 102, nausea, difficulty breathing, wound drainage, or other questions. Call and schedule a return appointment to see your doctor in 7–10 days (782-8210, then 1) if this has not already been done. Call the nurses line for all medical questions during office hours (782-8210 x 234). After hours, call the physician on call for all urgent medical questions (782-8210). THE SURGEONS | EXPERTISE | CONTACT US | PATIENT INFO | POLICIES | HOW TO FIND US | FORMS | LINKS | HOME COPYRIGHT© 2006 RALEIGH SURGICAL GROUP, RALEIGH, NC