You should receive a printed copy of these instructions. Your surgeon will check the orders you should follow to facilitate your healing process. Use these instructions until your first follow-up appointment. You will be given further instructions at your follow-up appointment. This page is provided for your convenience but does not contain your surgeon’s specific instructions for your personalized care.
General
Rest for 3-5 days with your operated foot elevated on pillows above the level of your heart and apply ice for 30 minutes of each hour to help control swelling. Move and wiggle the toes on both feet every hour to increase circulation and to help prevent blood clots. After anesthesia, do not drive, operate machinery, consume alcohol or tranquilizers, sign legal documents, use a credit card, or be responsible for the care of a minor for 24 hours, or for as long as you are taking narcotic pain medication. Begin with clear liquids and light foods to eat. Progress your diet as tolerated. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy food the day of your surgery.
Activity
[ ] Weight bearing as tolerated.
[ ] No weight bearing.
Dressing Care
[ ] DO NOT remove your dressing until your follow up appointment. Keep dressing clean and dry. If your bandage gets wet, please call our office.
Discharge Medications
You have been prescribed a narcotic for pain relief. Take your next dose after:
[ ] If you have not been prescribed an anti-inflammatory, you may take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as Advil (Ibuprofen) or Aleve (Naproxen) as instructed on the packaging. Take your next dose after:
[ ] If you have not been prescribed a pain medication containing acetaminophen (Tylenol), you may take Tylenol as instructed on the packaging. Take your next dose after:
[ ] You have been given additional information on a separate sheet if necessary for:
[ ] Scopolamine Patch [ ] Nerve Block [ ] Frequent Medications [ ] Other:
Helpful Information About Your Pain Medication
- Pain medication should be taken only on an “as-needed” basis. It is best to take the pain medication at the earliest sign of increasing pain rather than waiting until the pain is severe.
- It is important to eat some food every time you take your pain medication (even in the middle of the night) otherwise you are more likely to become nauseated. Usually a few crackers, some pudding, applesauce, or a banana will suffice.
- Narcotics can cause constipation, so increase the amount of fluid and fiber in your diet. Examples of over-the-counter medications to prevent constipation are Metamucil, Citrucel, Miralax, or a stool softener.
- DO NOT take medications containing Tylenol (acetaminophen) if it is already included in your prescription pain medication. Additional amounts of Tylenol can cause liver damage.
- Continue to take your usual medications; the pain medication will not interfere with them in any way. DO NOT use alcohol or other sedatives while taking narcotic pain medication. Smoking while using narcotic pain medication increases the risk of over-sedation.
- Try to anticipate your pain needs. If you are running out of your medication, please contact your pharmacy for refills. If you need further assistance, please contact the office between 8am-5pm Monday through Thursday. Please take actions before you are completely out of medication.
You can always reach us by calling 425-820-1221.
After business hours, an answering service will page the on-call doctor for you.
Call Our Office If You Experience The Following Symptoms
- Itching accompanied by hives, welts, rash or trouble breathing. This maybe an allergic reaction.
- Excessive or unbearable pain NOT relieved by your prescribed pain medication.
- If you cannot empty your bladder within 6 hours of discharge.
- Excessive or bright red drainage on your bandage.
- Unusual swelling, tenderness and warmth to the touch in your calf that develops suddenly.
- Extremities on the operative body part that become blanched white or bluish in color or feel very cold to the touch.
- Flu like symptoms (nausea, general body aches, or a temperature over 101 degrees for longer than 48 hours) which may be signs of infection.
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness or any other emergency.
