This will depend on the type of surgery and the surgeon’s orders. If the person is allowed to bathe, do not soak the wound until after stitches are removed. Do not allow a gauze dressing to become wet – talk with your doctor about how to protect the wound (such as cover with saran wrap).
No. Follow the surgeon’s orders. If your husband is recovering well, call the surgeon and talk with him about this.
No, your wife’s pain medicines may not be offering good pain relief. Be sure you are giving the medicines as directed. If pain persists after giving a dose of pain medicine, call the surgeon. Also, some pain medicines contain acetaminophen, do not give extra doses unless ordered by the surgeon.
Generally speaking, elastic stockings are worn through-out the day and removed at bedtime.
This professional society offers information on a wide variety of surgeries and medical conditions. The web site has a patient education section, describing a wide variety of surgeries and what to expect.
visit: www.facs.org/patienteducation/
The Ohio State University Medical Center is one of the largest and most diverse academic medical centers in the country. The web site provides a library of health information on a variety of surgeries and home care procedures such as wound care.
visit: http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/patient_education/
The website is owned by the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. The Mayo Clinic’s mission is to empower people to manage their health. The website offers useful and up-to-date information and tools on various types of surgery and after surgery care.
visit: www.mayoclinic.com