Post Operative Instructions

I have read and understand all the above instructions. I understand that following these instructions is solely my responsibility. I understand that is also my responsibility to ask my doctor Dr. Doshi and staff any questions I have related to these instructions or about my procedure, health, and healing.

What to Expect

As with most surgery some bruising and swelling is to be expected. Some incisions may have slight bloody oozing or discharge from them. Unless excessive, this is to be expected and should not worry you. The final result of your surgery may not be apparent until days, weeks, and even months, so relax and concentrate on healing your wounds.

What To Do?

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, including raw fruits and vegetables.
• Take pain medications as prescribed to you by Dr. Doshi. Do not
  take any pain medication other than the ones prescribed to you by
  Dr. Doshi.
• Do not drink alcohol or do any illicit drugs.
• Do not smoke cigarettes or anything else.
• You may begin taking all of your preoperative medications as prescribed to you by your primary physician.
• Start walking as soon as possible after surgery, even the very same evening on the day of your surgery.

What Not To Do?

• Do not drive or operate any machinery until you are no longer taking any pain medications.
• Do not assume an inactive role. Resume normal daily activities as tolerated and as instructed by Dr. Doshi as soon as possible.
• Do not go back to work until specifically instructed to do so by Dr. Doshi.
• Do not take any medications that were not prescribed by or approved by Dr. Doshi.
• Do not remove any bandages yourself unless specifically instructed to do so by Dr. Doshi. If bandages become loose call our office immediately.
• Do not remove any drains.
• Do not miss your follow-up appointments with Dr. Doshi.
• Do not hesitate to call our office or Dr. Doshi directly if you have any questions regarding your surgery and postoperative care.

Incision Care

• Keep the surgical site clean and dry.
• Keep the incisions clean and dry, and inspect them daily for excessive discharge, redness, excessive swelling, or foul smell.
• You may shower or bathe only on specific instructions from Dr. Doshi or his designee.
• Sutures will be removed as instructed by Dr. Doshi.

When to Call

• If you have increasing bleeding, swelling, bruising, redness, or discharge from the incision.
• If you have severe or increasing pain at the surgical site.
• If you have any severe side effects such as rash, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
• If you have an oral temperature greater than 100.8°F.
• If you have a loss of feeling anywhere.