Upper Limb Discharge - Quick Reference Sheet
Discharge Information
Upper Limb Surgery Quick Reference Sheet
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. Do not drive until after your post operative
visit. When you come for 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 excessive fluid
or blood oozes from under the dressing you should call 83769988 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
It is important when showering that you support your arm - rest
it on the soap dish. The arm should not be allowed to hang down. It
is also important you dry under your arm well.
The wound and dressing must be kept dry until 5 days after
surgery. After the 5th day you can shower but 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 but if you run out you will need to
obtain a script from your GP. 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 on 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 83769988 ASAP or 83782179 after hours.
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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