Home Care After Procedure or Surgery

Be sure to follow specific instructions provided by your care team as you may have certain restrictions in your diet.

Do not drink alcohol in the immediate postoperative period.

Move about as instructed by your care team. Some discomfort may be present initially, but it will gradually decrease as you become more active. Remember that rest is also important in order for your body to heal.

Keep the following tips in mind and refer to discharge instructions:

• When to drive and resume your normal activity level depends on the types of medications you are taking. Keep in mind that certain medications may cause impairment by slowing your coordination, judgment and reaction times.
• Do not do any weightlifting or physically strenuous activity until your provider instructs you that it is safe to resume activity.
• Listen to your body and rest when you are tired.
• Do not strain during bowel movements.
• Maintain liquids and diet intake.

Take your medication as directed. Remember to avoid alcohol while taking pain medication (narcotic). Avoid driving or operating machinery, as drowsiness may occur. Check with your provider before taking any over-the-counter medications, i.e., NSAIDs (Advil, ibuprofen) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you were taking medications prior to your procedure or surgery, ask your primary care physician or specialist when to resume them. Some medications may be resumed immediately, while others should be resumed later. Nausea after a procedure or surgery is common and usually related to pain medication. Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as it may make you feel nauseous.

As part of the fight against the opioid epidemic in Florida, Health Law 21 “HB21” was put in place to prevent patients from becoming addicted to painkillers. Although medications are frequently used to treat pain, there are other pain-reducing methods such as massage, relaxation techniques and application of heat or cold that are also helpful. Please check with your healthcare team for suggestions specifically for you or refer to your Alternatives to Opioids Medication.

Keep your dressing clean and dry. Clean your hands with soap and water before and after touching your dressing or surgical site. Your provider will instruct you when you may shower.

Alert your provider if any of the following occurs:

• Swelling, redness, foul odor and/or pain around the area where you had the procedure or surgery
• Cloudy fluid draining from your surgical wound
• Fever

As a patient, you need to be proactively involved in preventing infection. Here are some tips:

• Practice frequent handwashing, especially before and after touching the incisional area.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Stop smoking.
• Manage your blood sugars if you are diabetic.
• Maintain a clean home environment.
• Refrain from placing pets around your incision.
• Sleep in a bed with clean bedding and don’t allow any pets on your bed.
• Schedule your follow-up appointment with your physician as directed.

We are dedicated to the prevention of surgical-site infections. Please be aware of any changes to your surgical site. Although, according to national data, only a small number of patients will develop an infection, we remain vigilant in helping you assess any potential problems. Should you have any questions after discharge, please contact your provider.

You may receive a survey regarding your overall experience via email or text. We ask that you please take the time to complete the survey and provide us with your valuable feedback.

We are dedicated to providing high-quality care, and it is our goal that you feel fully supported by our team.