Warnings:
If you have had general anesthesia or sedation, do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours or as long as you are taking prescription pain medications. Do not sign legal documents or drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after anesthesia or while taking prescription medicines.

You should have a responsible person immediately available to you for the first 24 hours after surgery. Do not worry if a child appears flushed for several hours after surgery as this is normal. Go home directly from the hospital and rest for at least 24 hours. No lifting, pushing, pulling, exercising or other strenuous activities until you have permission from your surgeon.  You must be released from the hospital to the care of a responsible adult.  The hospital will not release you to a taxi driver.

Common Side Effects:
You may experience the following common side effects from your surgery:

Mild fever (below 101° F by mouth): Treat with 400 mg Ibuprofen or 650 mg Tylenol every 4 hours.  For children, follow package dosage instructions.

Decreased appetite or nausea: Keep to a clear liquid diet.  Bouillon, dry toast, Jell-O, crackers, lemon-lime sodas, soup, etc. Drink plenty of liquids.  Fluids are more important than solid food.

Vomiting: Nothing by mouth until 4 hours after last episode.  For protracted vomiting, use prescription anti-vomiting medicine.  If you need a prescription, call our office.

Sore Throat: Drink plenty of fluids, use throat lozenges, gargle with warm saltwater or mouthwash.

Mild to moderate pain and discomfort: Take pain medications that your surgeon has prescribed.

Fatigue and decreased energy: Surgery of any kind will fatigue the body. Take it easy the first few days after surgery. Limit your activities and take naps as needed.

Constipation: If constipation persists for several days, try Metamucil or Milk of Magnesia according to package instructions. Drink plenty of liquids.

Pain:
Pain is a normal response to surgery. We give pain medication in an attempt to alleviate most acute pain. In the first few days after surgery, there may be some "breakthrough" pain - that is, pain that is not completely resolved by your medication.  If this becomes intolerable, notify our office.

Medications:
Prescriptions are sent with you. When taking pain medications, you may experience dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drink alcohol, drive, or operate machinery while taking these medications. You may stop taking the prescription pain medicine when you feel that you no longer need it and take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) per package directions for any minor discomfort as needed.  Normally, you may resume regular daily medications unless otherwise instructed.

Operative Site:

Keep dressing clean and dry.  Change daily or as needed.

You may shower and bathe normally.  Remove dressings or bandages prior to bathing and replace afterwards as needed.

Apply ice packs to the operative site for the first day unless otherwise instructed.

Keep drains secured and supported. Bulb drains need to be measured and emptied 4 times daily or as needed.

Avoid antibiotic ointments unless specifically instructed.  Instead use Aloe Vera gel or other good skin cream.

Follow-up Care:
Follow-up appointments are usually 1-2 weeks after surgery or hospital discharge. If not already scheduled,  please call the office for an appointment.  If problems arise sooner, call our office for instructions.

Specific Complications to Watch For:

Pain not relieved by medication prescribed.

Fever over 101° F by mouth

Inability to urinate.

Blood soaked dressings (small amounts of oozing may be normal).

Foul smelling odor on dressing when changed daily.

Increased redness, warmth, hardness around operative site.

Severe persistent vomiting. Inability to hold down liquids or medicines.

THESE CONDITIONS MAY REQUIRE PROMPT ATTENTION-CONTACT THE OFFICE AT CompanyPhone.  FOR EMERGENCIES, REQUEST THAT YOUR SURGEON BE PAGED.