Q. Should I have somebody take me to surgery?
It is a good idea to have someone drive you to and from your surgery, even if it is scheduled to be done with a local anesthesia. Sometimes situations change and the type of anesthesia to be given changes. This is true even if the procedure is to be done in the office.
Q. How long will I be off work?
The length of time that you will be off work varies according to the type of surgery and the type of job that you do. Many of the so-called "minor" procedures will let you return to work the next day. The more "major" surgeries require at least one week of time for you to heal, get your energy level back and get back to your normal diet. A three week length of time is considered normal for recovery, but times may vary.
Q. Will I go home the same day?
Most surgeries can safely be done on an outpatient basis. Your individual requirements will be taken in to account and more often than not, you may go home the very day of your surgery. For more extensive surgeries, a hospital stay of a couple of days may be needed. This is discussed by you and Dr. Delumpa during your office visit.
Q. How do I care for my incisions?
The care of your incisions will be discussed during the post op call made to you a day or two after you return home. Generally, closed incisions are easily cared for by cleansing with water during showering. No soaps or peroxide are used. The wound closures, or strips of tape over the incisions, may get wet. Sutures, or stitches, may also get wet. Make sure the bandages are removed before you shower and replace them with clean ones if you need. Special wounds will require special teaching. Don't worry, we will take you through the process.
Q.When should I call for my first appointment after surgery?
The office personnel will be in touch with you soon after your release from the hospital, usually within the next day or so. Feel free to call for your post op appointment on the day you leave the facility or the next day. Your post op visit should be around one week after the procedure, unless you are told differently. We are available in the office during office hours or you can leave a message for us. For procedures done in the office the post op visit is made when you leave the office.
Q. What are some of the things to look for after surgery?
It is O.K. to be a little apprehensive after surgery and you may wonder what is "normal" and what is not. You will usually have some soreness at the site of the operation. A low grade fever may also be present. The incisions may also have some oozing of blood-tinged fluid. For abdominal operations, or any operations done under a general anesthesia, you may find you are without an appetite for a few days. Your bowel movements may slow down. You may even have difficulty starting your urinary stream. Lastly, some bruising and swelling may appear. All these things can happen, not all of them will happen to everyone. The key is to watch and let us know if 1) you are uncomfortable with what is happening or 2) you are unsure. We are here to answer any questions or concerns.
Q. What can I eat after surgery?
For most outpatient procedures, you may start to eat once you leave the facility. A diet of easily digested foods is usually your best first meals. Gradually increase to your normal diet. If you have nausea, or you feel full quickly, maybe back track to gentler foods and then increase your diet. Always have plenty of liquids to drink. For minor procedures, a normal diet is usually tolerated.
Q. Who can I all if I have any questions after surgery?
My office is open 5 days a week from 9am - 5pm (click on "Office Location" link). When you call the office you may be told to leave a message, as we are on the phone helping others, or away from the desk. Please leave a message and someone will return your call in a timely manner. After hours, I, or my covering associates are available through the hospital switchboards at Tipton (765.675.8500), Noblesville (317.773.0760), and Elwood (765.552.4600)
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