Postoperative Instructions for Abdominal Surgery

1. Diet as desired; eat small, frequent meals 4-5 times daily. No raw vegetables or fruits for 2 weeks. You may eat cooked vegetables and fruits.

2. No driving. No lifting over 5 lbs. No strenuous exercise.

3. You may use the stairs as tolerated.

4. You may shower, gently pat the wounds dry. No tub baths.

5. Resume all of your usual medicines as they were prescribed by your primary care provider unless instructed otherwise.

Change the following medicine only:_________________________________

_________________________________________________________________.

6. Take your pain medicine as prescribed. Rx:______________________________.

7. You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain in place of your prescription medicine. Do not take both medicines at the same time.

8. Follow up appointment with Dr. Vachon in _____________________________. Please call the office at (410) 783-5800 to schedule your appointment.

9. Call Dr.____________________ for appointment for_____________________.

10. Call the office if you have a fever over 101, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, red or draining wounds, or any concerns about your postoperative recovery. A physician is available 24 hours a day for emergency calls. Please call during regular office hours for routine questions and prescription refills.

Disclaimer: The above are generalized instructions for the “average” patient. Any instructions given by surgeon on discharge specifically to you supersede those enumerated above.

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