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. If you have an arm block during surgery, your operative arm sensation and control may not
return for up to 24 hours. You must take care not to injure your arm or hand
during this time. You may be given a sling to wear until you have control of
your arm.
3. A prescription will be given for post-operative pain
control. You should try to get prescription filled before surgery. These
medications should last until your first post-operative visit. If you run out,
please call the office.
4. Elevation of the operative extremity above the
heart can limit swelling and have a beneficial effect on pain.
5. Your post-operative dressing should remain intact and dry until your first
post-operative visit. If the Ace wrap is too tight it may be removed and
re-wrapped. A shower or bath may be taken when the wounds close.
6. You should have a follow-up appointment within one week post-operative for dressing
change. Sutures will be removed on the second visit 10 to 14 days after
surgery.
7. You may need hand therapy during your recovery. For some
surgeries, therapy is as important as the surgery itself. Therapy will be
started after suture removal.
Call the office if:
1. Pain initially decreases, but later increases.
2. You develop a fever.
3. Your operative area becomes red, hot, or swollen.
4. Your hand below the cast or bandage becomes painful, numb, or difficult to move.
5. You have severe pain unrelieved by pain medication or elevating the hand.
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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