If you have been given a prescription for pain medicine,
use it when you need it. There is little advantage to
toughing out the pain.
Constipation is common after surgery. A mild laxative
such as two tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia usually will
correct the problem.
If you develop a rash all over, stop any new medications
that you are taking and call your surgeon.
If your wound is covered with a waterproof dressing you
may shower the day after surgery.
Do not remove dressing until day 5 even if it is blood
saturated.
If bleeding stains your clothing call Dr. Petersen.
If you have had hernia or other major surgery do not
drive until after your first post op visit with your
surgeon. He will give you more instructions then.
If you have a fever as high as 101° call your surgeon.
If you are unable to keep down meals call your surgeon.
Hernia surgery may aggravate a pre-existing prostate
condition in some patients. If you cannot pass your urine or
have burning when you urinate call your surgeon.
Make a follow up visit appointment with your surgeon.
Instructions for Using Pain Medications after Surgery
If you do not have pain do not take the pain pills.
The first time that you take pain pills just take one, wait 20 minutes then take another if you need it
Do not take more pain pills than you need
If needed you may take 2 pills every 4 hours
Do not anticipate the pain and take pills before you need them
Do not take the pills on an empty stomach
Some patients develop itching, this is a side effect not an allergy, Benadryl can help
Some patients become nauseated on pain pills, this is often a sign that you are taking too much
Benadryl can help with nausea, you can take 50mg every 4 hours
Everybody gets constipated on pain pills
Switch to over the counter pain pills like Motrin ASAP. Follow instructions on bottle
If you need more pain pills let the doctor know before you are out.
Icing the wound can help. Put some insulation like a towel between you and the ice. 20 minutes on. 20 minutes off. No more than 2 days.
Use over the counter Miralax as needed for constipation