Discharge Information - Upper Limb Surgery
Activity / Exercises
Exercises will be explained by your physiotherapist prior to
going home. It is important to follow these instructions
carefully. Driving is not permitted while your arm is
a sling or plaster. If you do not require a sling or
plaster, it will be 2 weeks before you can commence driving. At
your post operative appointment we will let you know when you can
commence driving.
Returning to work will depend on the type of
work you do i.e. manual or office.
Generally a sick certificate will be issued up until the date of
your post operative appointment. (approx 2 weeks) when further
assessment can be made.
While rest is imperative there is always a risk of developing
Deep Vein Thrombosis after surgery It is suggested
you gently mobilize at home (walking) as soon as possible after
your surgery.
The Operative Site
Your wound may be covered with a dressing which will remain on
until your post operative appointment. It is normal for
some blood or fluid to ooze from the wound but if increased fluid
or blood oozes from under the dressing, you should call 8376 9988
for further advice. If you have small plastic dressings in
place leave these insitu until 5 days post operative when they can
be replaced once you have showered. Before handling your
wound or replacing the dressing you must remember to wash your
hands thoroughly.
Stitches will be removed at your post operative appointment.
If you have been fitted with a sling this must remain on
until your post operative appointment.
Hygiene/Showering
Wound and dressing must be kept dry until 5 days after surgery.
After the 5th day you can shower but do not have a
bath. It is important the plastic dressing be pat dried and if
required the small plastic dressings can be replaced with bandaids.
It is important to keep any larger dressings dry by covering with a
plastic bag prior to showering. These will be removed at your
appointment.
If you wear rings on the hand of the operated
limb, it is important you do not replace these
until you have been seen at your post operative appointment as the
hand may still swell some time after surgery.
Pain Management
Pain relief (or a script) will be provided to you on discharge.
This amount should be adequate, however you maybe required to take
occasional "over the counter" medication for the next few weeks. It
is not unusual to experience some pain for several weeks after
surgery. If you have difficulty managing the pain please contact
the surgery for further advice. It is a good idea to take analgesia
½ hour prior to commencing exercises. Following surgery you
should resume any regular medication you were taking prior to
surgery.
Complications/Problems
Swelling, redness, increased warmth of the operated area
, if excessive discharge from the wound commences or continues, or,
if you have a temperature or feel generally unwell please contact
me on 8376 9988 ASAP or after hours pager 8378 2179.
Any numbness or tingling that persists in the hand of your
operated limb, even after wrist and hand exercises should be
reported to me.
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