Pain Relief
It is important that you take regular simple analgesia once you get home. Panadol and anti-inflammatory with food such as nurofen will help control pain. You may experience shoulder tip pain from the carbon dioxide used in the operation, hot packs or a wheat pack and gentle exercise will help with this pain
Wound care
Leave your dressings on for four days post discharge, if these are soiled prior to discharge then ward staff should change them. These dressings are water proof and can get wet in the shower, just let the water run over them and pat dry with a towel. All stitches are underneath the skin, so nothing has to be removed. When you cough, sneeze, laugh or strain place a hand over the wound for support. If you have had an inguinal hernia repair you may find that there maybe scrotal swelling, this is normal and due to blood tracking down with gravity from the wound site.
Exercise
Avoid heavy lifting for 4 weeks, as well as vigorous exercise. Gentle exercise such as walking can be undertaken. Most people will be fully recovered after 4 weeks including those who do manual labour. After 3 weeks ensure that you gradually increase the amount of exercise you undertake.
Follow up
Unless advised otherwise, after you get home from hospital, please contact the office on 3847 7133 to make your appointment to see Prof Barbour in 4 weeks time. You will also see the practice nurse at this time.