-Avoid any excessive pressure on your surgical site.
-Do Not apply a heating pad or ice to your surgical sites. After surgery you will have decreased sensation and heat/ice can result in a burn/frost bite without you feeling it.
-Ok to shower starting 48 hours after surgery.
-You may change the gauze pads (4×4’s) or ABD pads around the incision line as needed. If your wound is closed, you do not need to apply any dressing unless the wound edges ooze slightly.
-Leave all tapes/glue in place unless they are already coming off.
-If you have a drain:
-When showering you can hold your drains, pin them to a belt around your waist, attach them to a lanyard or string around your neck, or a partner/family member can hold them. Do whatever is easiest for you.
-Strip your drains at least 3 times per day. If you use a small amount of soap/water or hand sanitizer on your hand while stripping the drain, it makes the process easier. Make sure the JP bulb is on suction by squeezing the bulb and then replacing the cap. When the bulb is suctioned and providing negative pressure, it should be slightly indented.
-Record the individual drain output daily.
-Bring the record to your follow-up appointment.
-Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for at least 2 weeks following surgery unless specifically instructed. This can lead to bleeding issues.
-Take your pain medication with food. This can be with as little as a few crackers. This will help prevent nausea.
-Smoking causes multiple wound healing complications. It is very important that you do not smoke, and you are not around people that smoke for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as if you were to smoke.
-Be sure to walk at least 300 yards daily. This can be broken up in multiple short trips. It is OK and recommended that you walk more than the minimum of 300 yards. This will help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT’s/Blood Clots) and Pulmonary Embolisms (PE’s).
-Avoid exposing the scars to the sun for at least 6 to 12 months. If you are going to be out in the sun it is recommended that you use SPF 30 or greater sunscreen over your surgical sites.