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 will help with this particularly when you are lying down.
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.
Exercise
Avoid heavy lifting for 2-3 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.
Oral Intake
Swallowing maybe difficult for several weeks after surgery. Patients should be eating very soft or sloppy foods such as creamy pastas without chunks and pureed soups. It is important to avoid fizzy drinks, meats, dry or fibrous foods such as celery initially. Please ensure that you chew your foods well. Most patients return to their normal diet in about 3 to 4 weeks
You may find that after your surgery you will pass more wind and have more wind pain while you digestive system returns to normal.
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.