The following instructions should be followed closely except when overruled by specific procedural instructions. Notify Dr. Salloum of any unusual changes in your condition and feel free to call the office with any questions.
After surgery
Be sure you arrange to have someone pick you up after your surgery. A responsible adult should be available to stay with you at home as needed until you can manage on your own. Ask Dr. Salloum if you have any questions regarding how long this time frame should be based on your procedure.
DRINK water and plenty of fluids, as they help to rid the body of the drugs used in surgery.
NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES as this may affect bleeding negatively.
Please keep activities to a minimum for the first 48 hours. No house cleaning, furniture rearranging, etc. Relax, be pampered, and let your body heal. The less energy you use on doing things, the more energy your body can focus on healing.
DO practice good hygiene to the region to be operated upon. This includes shampooing hair and cleaning with antibacterial soaps, MCPS recommends DIAL soap
DO report any fever, cough, infection, or skin changes before surgery to our office (305.405.6910)
Take only medications that have been prescribed by Dr.Salloum for your postoperative care and take them according to the instruction on the bottle.
You can expect moderate discomfort, which should be helped by the pain medications. The greatest discomfort is usually during the first 24 hours. Thereafter, you will find that you require less pain medication.
After surgery, If you do not, have a bowel movement in a day or two , you may take over the counter laxatives to encourage your bowels to move.
DO NOT use a bath tub for 2 weeks or a hot tub for 4 weeks. Avoid any strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks. This is to avoid any unnecessary bleeding, bruising, swelling).
Activities
Many patients are excited to resume physical exercise, the following is a general guide to resuming sports and other activities. Be sure to call our office with any specific questions or concerns regarding your recovery or exercise that you might have.
The first week: Light, five-minute walks around the house are encouraged. Most patients are not able to drive for a few days following your surgery.
The second week: By the second week after surgery, many patients feel much better and want to return to their normal routines. However, it is important to continue to take it easy and allow your body time to recover. Many patients are able to drive at this point in their recovery.
The third week: At week three, most patients should continue to refrain from engaging in any strenuous activities. Dr. Salloum recommends patients take two or three 15-minute walks, or light jogging.
The fourth week: Many patients (depending on your surgery) are able to resume jogging, yoga, rollerblading or bike riding. (Be sure to ask if you are unsure about your specific exercise)
The fifth week: The fifth week after surgery, patients may be able to start getting back into their regular workout routines. (In some patients this may need to be modified, be sure to ask Dr. Salloum if you have any questions)
Many use this time as motivation to start a new activity or become involved in a new sport.
When to call
Call our office (305-405-6910) if you believe you are experiencing the following:
- SEVERE pain while taking your mediations.
- Vomiting
- Incisions appear to be extremely red
- You are experiencing a fever
Feel free to call our office at any time. We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your healing period.
