After surgery, patients and their families often have many questions. It can feel overwhelming to sort through instructions while you are trying to recover. Every surgery is different, but there are a few general guidelines that apply to most procedures. These basics can help you feel more confident during your healing process.
Caring for Your Incision
If your incision is covered with medical glue, you will not need any additional dressing. Keep the area clean and dry. You may shower unless your provider has told you otherwise. When you do, allow the water to run over the incision and gently pat the area dry. Avoid scrubbing your incision or soaking in baths, hot tubs, or standing water.
Managing Pain After Surgery
Some discomfort is expected. You have just had surgery, so it is normal to feel sore. You can take over the counter pain medication or use a prescription provided by your surgeon if you need it. The goal is not to eliminate every bit of pain. The goal is to reduce it enough that you can move around your home. Walking from the bedroom to the kitchen or the couch is helpful for your recovery. Stay active, but avoid pushing yourself with mowing, shoveling, or other strenuous activities until you are cleared. Your provider will give you specific lifting or movement restrictions, especially for hernia or orthopedic surgeries.
Eating After Surgery
Most patients can return to a normal diet unless they have had specialized gastrointestinal surgery. Even so, a healthy diet that includes adequate protein can support healing. Bowel habits often change after GI surgery, and narcotic pain medications can lead to constipation. Consider using a stool softener if you notice changes or feel uncomfortable.
Changes to Watch For
It is normal for an incision to become a dull red as it heals. However, pay attention to changes. If the area becomes warm, more sensitive, or turns a brighter red, contact your provider. Some light drainage can be normal. It may be pale yellow, straw colored, or thin red that resembles fruit punch. Thick green or yellow drainage is not normal and should be reported right away.
Follow-Up Care
Most patients will have a postoperative appointment scheduled before they leave the hospital or clinic. This visit allows you to ask questions, talk about your recovery, and make sure everything is healing as expected.
Recovering from surgery can feel uncertain, but understanding the basics can make the process smoother. Reach out to your provider anytime you have concerns or notice changes that do not feel right.
