Colorectal Surgery - Duke University Medical Center
Colorectal Surgery - Duke University Medical Center
Colorectal Surgery - Duke University Medical Center
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
• ACTIVITY:<br />
o You should get up and walk around the house several times a day. If it feels good,<br />
then do it! You may go up and down stairs as needed<br />
o No lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds (about 1 gallon of milk) for 6 weeks<br />
after surgery<br />
o No soaking in water (no swimming, no baths, and no hot tubs) until your doctor<br />
says that it is ok for you to do this. You may take a shower. Lightly<br />
pat dry any incision that you may have.<br />
o No driving as long as you are taking anything for pain stronger than Tylenol<br />
(acetaminophen)<br />
• WOUND CARE:<br />
o If you have an incision, you may notice a small amount of fluid draining from<br />
between your staples/sutures. It is ok if it remains the color of a light beer or light<br />
pink. Call your doctor and let them know if this happens and they will tell you if<br />
you should do something else.<br />
o Staples will come out about two (2) weeks after your surgery. You may have an<br />
appointment made to see your doctor’s nurse before you leave the hospital. If you<br />
live very far away, you may also have your family doctor or the home health nurse<br />
remove these staples/sutures. If no one discussed this with you before you left the<br />
hospital, please call your doctor’s office to set this up.<br />
o If you go home with an open incision, you will learn how to care for this incision<br />
before you leave the hospital. You may be able to have Home Health Services<br />
come into your home to help you. Someone will discuss this with you before you<br />
leave the hospital.<br />
18
Change language