Pre-op instructions:
- Move objects you may need after surgery to avoid reaching or bending.
- Remove throw rugs for your safety. Arrange for transportation and help with chores. If you have stairs, set up a bed on the ground level. Pick a seat/chair with a solid back, seat, and arms to allow for easier transfers.
Acute Phase (Day 1-2):
- Hospital stay: 1 day
- Sponge bathing (to keep incision dry) is to be performed until physician instructs otherwise at follow-up appointment.
- Removal of outer dressing can be performed in the evening of day 2.
- TED stocking to be worn most of the time. Only removed 2-3 times per day for ½ hour to wash legs.
- Do ankle pumps on an hourly basis to promote circulation.
- Incentive spirometry 4 times daily.
- Continue to take prescribed pain medication and to use ice as needed for pain control.
- Call primary care physician about resuming post-op medications, including blood thinners.
- Therapeutic exercises include walking to tolerance.
- Precautions: Sitting (with good posture) no longer than 20 minutes at a time, no bending, lifting, pulling, pushing, climbing, or driving.
Red Flags:
If you develop fever, chills, malaise, shortness of breath, excessive draining, redness, or extreme pain and tenderness in calf region contact physician (315) 824-1250.Subacute Phase (1-2 weeks):
- Physical therapy pending M.D. follow-up evaluation and recommendations (for posture correction, conditioning, gait training, and returning to activities of daily living).
- Continue walking program to tolerance.
