Postoperative problems: Overview
Many people don't feel well after surgery. Pain, nausea, and a lack of energy may occur even after a minor surgery. In most cases, if you get some rest and follow the instructions your surgeon gave you, you will feel better over time.
Different types of surgery require different home care instructions. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow after your surgery. This includes learning about your medicines, diet restrictions, wound care, and showering or bathing. You'll also learn when you can get back to your regular activities. If you have any questions about your discharge instructions, be sure to ask your surgeon.
Your surgeon will want to talk to you if you have:
- Questions about your home care instructions.
- A symptom or problem that you don't know how to handle.
- An unexpected symptom or problem.
- Problems with your prescription medicines. These may include a rash, hives, nausea, vomiting, or stomach problems.
Incision problems or pain after surgery: When to call
Call your doctor now if:
- You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- A fever.
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- Bright red blood soaks through the bandage over your incision.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have nausea or vomiting that gets worse or won't stop.
- You are too sick to your stomach to drink any fluids.
Preventing Problems After Surgery
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