1. Once you have recovered from your anesthetic, you will be allowed to leave
the surgical center. You will need someone to drive you home.
2. On discharge you will be provided with crutches if you do not have them beforehand.
You may not bear weight on the operated foot unless specified.
3. Keep your foot above your heart as much as possible for the next one to two weeks
following surgery. Doing this will help minimize the swelling that usually
occurs following ankle surgery.
4. A prescription will be given for
post-operative pain control. You should try to get this prescription filled
beforehand. These medications should last until your first post-operative visit.
If you run out, please call this office with at least a 24-hour
advance.
5. You must keep your cast or bandages dry. Take baths only, no
showers. We recommend taking a bath with your foot outside of the tub or a
sponge bath. If the Ace wrap is too tight, it may be removed and re-wrapped. Be
sure to keep the surgical wounds dry.
6. Never insert anything into or
under your dressings. Your bandage is to stay on until it is removed on your
first post-operative visit.
7. You should have a follow-up appointment
within one week post-operative for dressing change. Sutures will be removed on
your second post-operative visit.
8. Use crutches as needed. Minimize
your activities for several days to a week after surgery. To alleviate pain, you
may apply ice above the wound for 15 to 20 minutes. To put ice apply it in a
water-proof bag and wrap the bag of ice in a towel. Do not get the dressing
wet.
9. It is normal for there to be a small amount of drainage onto the
bandage. If you notice continual or abnormal oozing, please call the office
immediately.
10. You will be given a copy of the pictures taken at
surgery. You should keep this for your permanent records.
Call this office if:
1. Your foot pain increases daily rather than decreases.
2. Your foot becomes hot, red, or you run a fever.
3. Your toes below the bandage become discolored (reddish or purple).
4. Your toes below the cast or bandage become painful, numb, or difficult to move.
5. You have severe pain unrelieved by pain medications or elevating the foot.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office for further instructions. After
clinic hours, call the answering service and ask for the doctor. Inform the
operator that you just had surgery.
Office telephone (858) 536-9500
Answering service (866) 504-2903
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