Pre Op
- HAVE NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SURGERY Failure to follow these instructions may result in the cancellation of your surgery.
- Please contact your surgeon's office if you have questions in regards to any medications you’re currently taking prior to surgery.
- Please remove contact lenses and jewelry prior to coming.
- Please remove nail polish.
- Please ensure that you have a responsible ride home.
- After surgery, arrange to have a responsible adult remain with you for the remainder of the day and during the night.
Post Op
Go home after leaving the hospital and rest for the day. Take it easy for the first few days. As you feel stronger, slowly increase your activity. Space your activities with rest periods.
Drink plenty of fluids, 6 - 8 glasses of water each day. You may eat whatever you choose. It is a good idea to start slowly, eating small amounts until you know how food will feel in your stomach. You may feel nauseous or sick to your stomach. Avoid fatty, rich and spicy foods. Light foods such as toast, soup, crackers may feel better in your stomach. Try to keep drinking fluids.
For the first 24 hours after your operation, you may need to take your medication for pain regularly. Don’t wait until the pain gets too bad before taking your mediation. Remember most pills need 20 – 30 minutes to take effect. Try to take your medication at least 20 – 30 minutes before doing your exercises or painful activity. As your pain decreased, take your medication less often.
A follow-up visit will be scheduled with your surgeon. At this visit, your surgeon will tell you what was found and check on how you are healing. You may find it helpful to write down any questions and bring them to your appointment.
CALL YOUR SURGEON IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THESE SIGNS
- Bright red blood leaking through your bandage.
- Chills or fever of over 38.5°C (101.3°F) 48 hours after your surgery.
- White, yellow or green fluid from your surgical sites. Any fluid with a foul odour.
- Red, hard, hot, swollen or painful areas around your surgical sites.
- Vomiting that lasts longer than 4 hours.
- Pain that is not helped by medication.
IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION, GO TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF THE HOSPITAL CLOSEST TO YOU.
Orthopedic Surgery
General Surgery
