Post-Operative Instructions

• Patients recovering from mesh removal should also see Mesh Pain Recovery.
• Rest. See activity restrictions after hernia surgery.
• Resume your regular medications and diet.
• 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