1. Once you have recovered from your anesthesia, you will be allowed to leave
the surgical center. You will need someone to drive you home from the
hospital.
2. On discharge, you will be provided with crutches if you do
not have them beforehand. You may put some weight on the leg that underwent
surgery. This should be partial weight-bearing.
3. A prescription will be given for post-operative pain control. You should
try to get the prescription filled before surgery.
4. A bulky dressing with an elastic Ace
wrap will be wrapped around your knee. If the Ace wrap is too tight, it may be
removed and re-wrapped. Be sure to keep the surgical wounds dry. A shower or
bath may be taken when the wounds are closed.
5. Be sure you have an appointment at the clinic the first week after surgery.
6. On the first day or two following surgery,
swelling in the leg that was operated on can be minimized by elevating the leg
above your heart. Regular use of cold therapy unit will be of great help
decreasing post-operative pain and swelling. Use it as much as possible,
especially for the first five days after surgery.
7. Your rate of
recovery will depend on the specifics of your problem. It is recommended that
you not return to vigorous sports until all swelling has resolved and full
motion and strength of the knee has been regained.
8. A private vendor
will contact you for a motion machine known as a CPM. Try to use it as much as
tolerated to expedite recovery.
Contact your doctor if:
1. Your knee pain increases daily rather than decreases.
2. Your knee becomes hot, red, or you run a fever.
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
|
