Edward J. White, M.D., F.A.C.S.

140 Hazard Avenue, Suite 107

Enfield, CT 06082

Telephone # 860-272-2928 Fax # 860-749-7196

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

P A I N

  1. There is usually some persisting incisional pain at the time of discharge from the hospital. This should be helped by the pain medication prescribed at the time of your discharge.
  2. Pain that worsens after discharge, or is associated with fever, or increased swelling or redness of the wound, should be called to the attention of the doctor.

New pains in other areas of the body, not related to the surgery, should also be brought to the attention of the doctor.

A C T I V I T Y

  1. In general, walking is good. Don’t over fatigue yourself, but do walk several times per day. You may climb steps if assisted and there is adequate rail support.
  2. Do not do any heavy lifting for the first several weeks. Limit lifting to less than 25 pounds. Be careful to use safe lifting techniques.
  3. Increased activities after the first three weeks are generally safe, but ask for particular instructions concerning your recovery.
  4. Full exercise activities may be resumed after about five weeks, but need to be slowly increased.

G E N E R A L S Y M P T O M S

Any sudden changes, such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fever, abdominal swelling, leg pain or swelling, need to be reported to the doctor.

B O W E L F U N C T I O N

Changes in bowel function after surgery are common and usually are self-corrective. Slow return of bowel function is anticipated, but if there is no bowel movement after three days or there is no passage of gas after 24 hours, notify the doctor. Do not take laxatives unless specifically directed by Dr. White.

W O U N D C A R E

  1. If your incision is covered with a plastic bandage, you may leave it in place until your first office visit. You may shower since the bandage protects the wound.
  1. Depending on the surgery, incisions are closed with either absorbable sutures (which are not removed), or non-absorbable materials (such as surgical wound staples). Sutures (stitches) or staples that do need to be removed are usually taken out 7 to 10 days after the surgery. If you are discharged from the hospital prior to that, then you will return to the office for the removal process.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

(CONT’D)

  1. If your incision is covered with gauze, please keep the dressing dry until your office visit. Should the bandage become wet or if there is drainage, call for an earlier appointment.

D I E T

You should receive specific diet instructions upon discharge. If you don’t, please ask. In general, avoid high fiber foods for the first week after abdominal surgery. Eat small meals four or five times per day rather than a few large meals. Good nutrition is critical to a rapid recovery.

F O L L O W-U P

Generally, a follow-up appointment is made for 7 to 10 days after discharge to evaluate the wound and the course of recovery. If you are experiencing problems, however, do not wait for your appointment. Call for earlier evaluation.

C O N T A C T

Dr. White’s office number is 860-272-2928. After hours, this number will roll to an answering service that can page the doctor. On occasion, there may be a covering doctor who will provide emergency recommendations for problems that cannot wait.

M E D I C A T I O N

  1. Generally, you should resume any medications you were taking prior to your hospitalization, but you need to confirm these medications with your medical doctor. Some medications need to be gradually restarted.
  2. At your discharge, you may also receive prescriptions for pain medications and possibly other medications, such as antibiotics. Always make certain that your pharmacist knows all the other medications you are taking.

Medications

For pain control: ______

For nausea: ______

Antibiotics: ______

Other: ______

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12/02