1. When you are discharged and arrive home from Hospital, please lie down and rest. You will find that you tire easily during your recovery period of six weeks or so. Initially you may need help with your daily hygiene needs: if possible, take a shower instead of a bath. You may also need help with dressing and undressing.
2. Follow-up outpatient physiotherapy, if necessary, will have been arranged by the Hospital physiotherapist and they will advise you regarding increasing your mobility. This follow up physiotherapy can either be at the Hospital where you had your Surgery or in your own locality. It is important to pace yourself at home and take several periods of rest lying down. Short walks are advisable but avoid spending long periods doing any one activity or in any one position.
3. Your physiotherapist will also advise you about increasing your exercise programme and restarting other activities i.e. swimming, driving etc. Driving may be introduced when you can confidently control a vehicle and initially only for short distances. Choose a quiet time of day and a good guide is that if you can sit for one hour then drive for ten minutes. Remember, there may be an occasion when you will have to brake very hard, and hold that pressure on the pedal.
4. There is no set pattern of reducing pain following surgery - everyone will react differently. You may experience slightly more discomfort because of your increased level of activity, but this will gradually decrease over the next couple of months,
5. You will be given pain relief tablets and anti-inflammatories, if required on your discharge from Hospital. Please continue to take the pain relief as directed, but gradually reduce the amount taken as the pain subsides.
6. Normally you will have an appointment to see your Surgeon five to six weeks after your Surgery when they will discuss your condition and advise on when it might be appropriate to return to work.
7. While convalescing, if you notice any of the following symptoms, please contact your Surgeon or his Secretary to seek advice on what may be required to alleviate the situation.
- Excessive swelling of your wound.
- Bleeding or discharge from your wound.
- Severe new pain in your back or legs.
- High temperature associated with any of these Symptoms.
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