Post-Operative Instructions

Several important aspects of postoperative care can help support a smooth and successful recovery. If you have any questions or concerns at any point, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Fliegel or a member of your care team.

Sling/Brace Instructions

Depending on your procedure, you may be placed in a sling, brace, immobilizer, or other supportive device after surgery. This equipment protects the surgical area, limits potentially harmful movement, and allows healing to occur in a controlled manner.

The type of device, how it should be positioned, and how long it must be worn will vary based on your procedure. Please follow the specific instructions provided by Dr. Fliegel and your care team. Do not discontinue or adjust your sling or brace unless instructed to do so, even if you are feeling better.

You may be permitted to remove the device for bathing, dressing, exercises, or gentle movement of nearby joints. However, these instructions are specific to your surgery. Only remove the device and perform the movements approved by Dr. Fliegel or your physical therapist.

Remember:

Wear your sling or brace as directed, including while sleeping if instructed.
Keep the device properly positioned, secured, and in good condition.
Perform only the exercises and movements included in your postoperative plan.
Do not bear weight through the operative arm or leg unless you have been cleared to do so.
Contact our office if the device feels excessively tight, causes worsening pain or numbness, irritates your skin, or does not fit properly.
Bring your sling or brace to your follow-up appointments.

Every step you take in following your recovery plan brings you closer to returning to the activities you love. Give your body the time it needs to heal. Your patience and commitment now will pay off in the long run.

Pain Management

Effective pain management is an important part of your recovery after surgery. Dr. Fliegel and your care team will make every effort to keep you safe and comfortable. Although some discomfort is expected, postoperative pain can usually be managed effectively with oral medications.

Prescriptions for your postoperative medications will typically be sent to your pharmacy several days before surgery. Please pick them up before the day of your procedure so there is enough time to address any medication or pharmacy related concerns.

Your pain management plan may include several types of medication that work together in different ways to control pain. Opioid medication may be prescribed when appropriate, but Dr. Fliegel uses a multimodal approach designed to provide effective relief while minimizing the need for opioids.

Post-Operative Pain Medications

General medication guidelines (ask Dr. Fliegel if you have specific questions):

Oxycodone 5 to 10 mg (one to two tablets): Take every four to six hours as needed for severe pain.
Tylenol 650 mg every six hours or 1,000 mg every eight hours: Take as needed for pain and as an important part of your multimodal pain management plan.
Ibuprofen 600 mg: Take every six to eight hours as prescribed to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Blood thinner (ie, aspirin, Eliquis, or Xarelto) Take as prescribed for the first 30 days after surgery to help prevent blood clots. If you were taking a blood thinner before surgery, speak with Dr. Fliegel and your prescribing physician about when to restart it and how to safely transition back to your usual dose.

Managing Constipation

Opioid pain medication can cause constipation. The following steps can help prevent or manage this common side effect:

Take Colace 100 mg twice daily while using opioid medication, unless instructed otherwise. Colace is available over the counter.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Include fiber rich foods in your diet.
Remain as active as your postoperative restrictions safely allow.

Wound Care

Keep your postoperative dressing clean, dry, and in place for the first two to three days after surgery. During this time, do not shower or allow the surgical area to get wet.

After two to three days, you may remove the outer dressing. Leave the Steri Strips, which are the small white pieces of tape covering your incisions, in place until your first postoperative appointment. Do not peel or remove them.

Once the outer dressing has been removed, you may shower and allow water to gently run over the surgical area. Do not scrub the incisions or apply soap, lotion, cream, or ointment directly to them. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel after showering.

Do not submerge the incisions in a bath, pool, or hot tub until Dr. Fliegel has confirmed that they are fully healed.

Ice Therapy

Ice therapy can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation following surgery. You may use a traditional ice pack or a cold therapy machine, such as a Cryo Cuff, which circulates cold water through a sleeve placed over the surgical area.

Use ice frequently during the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Apply it for 20 minutes at a time, followed by at least 20 minutes without ice. You may continue using ice after this period as needed for pain and swelling.

Always place a thin towel, clothing layer, or other protective barrier between your skin and the ice pack or cold therapy sleeve. Never apply ice directly to your skin.

Activity Restrictions

Your activity restrictions will depend on the procedure performed, the part of the body involved, and your individual recovery plan. Follow all instructions regarding weight bearing, lifting, use of a sling or brace, and assistive devices. Do not resume an activity until you can perform it safely and without violating your postoperative restrictions.

Driving

Your ability to drive safely may be affected by pain, limited strength or motion, weight bearing restrictions, the side of your surgery, and the use of a sling, brace, crutches, or other assistive device.

Important guidelines:

Do not drive while taking opioid pain medication or any medication that causes drowsiness.
Do not drive while wearing a sling or while your right leg is restricted by a brace or weight bearing limitation.
Wait until Dr. Fliegel has cleared you to drive.
Before returning to driving, you must be able to enter and exit the vehicle safely and maintain full control of the steering wheel, pedals, and other vehicle functions.
You must be able to react quickly and safely in an emergency without pain or hesitation.

Returning to Work

Your return to work will depend on the procedure performed, your progress during recovery, and the physical demands of your job. Sedentary work may be resumed sooner than work involving lifting, prolonged standing, climbing, driving, or other physical activity. Dr. Fliegel will discuss an appropriate timeline and any necessary restrictions with you during your postoperative visits.

When to Call the Doctor

Please contact our office promptly if you experience any of the following:

Fever above 101.5°F
Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the surgical site
Yellow, green, or foul-smelling drainage from the incision
Severe or worsening pain that is not relieved by your prescribed medication
New or worsening numbness or tingling in your fingers
Inability to move your fingers
Calf pain, swelling, or redness, which may indicate a blood clot

Chest pain or difficulty breathing may be a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

If you develop any symptoms of illness or infection, including fever, cold or flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, a skin rash, or open sores, please contact your surgical team and primary care physician as soon as possible.

Questions About Your Recovery?

Contact our office for more information