Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1398259
17 Work Your surgeon will tell you when you can expect to return to work. If you need a "Return to Work" form for your employer, please contact your surgeon's office. When to Call Your Surgeon's Office ▪ If you have a fever of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. ▪ If you have any oozing or redness at your wound site. ▪ Your pain is getting worse instead of better. ▪ Cannot pass gas or have not had a bowel movement for 3 days. ▪ Have upset stomach or vomiting that does not get better and you cannot keep liquids down. ▪ Have diarrhea that does not get better. ▪ If you have an ileostomy and have a lot of watery stool output that does not get better. If you have very serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, calf pain, chest pain or any other emergency, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room. Bathing and Care of Your Surgical Site You should shower after your surgery in order to help prevent infection, unless your surgeon says otherwise. It is okay to gently cleanse your wound, but do not scrub it. Gently pat the area dry. Keep the wound site clean and dry all day. Do not use any ointments, creams or lotions on the area unless instructed to do so by your doctor. For the first 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery, your lower surgery area may be slightly red and uncomfortable. Please contact your doctor if your wound opens up, drains fluid or has redness that spreads. ▪ You may shower and let the soapy water wash over your wound. ▪ Do not take a bath until approved by your provider. ▪ The wound will "soften up" in several months. ▪ If you have staples or sutures, we will arrange to have them removed 7 to 14 days after you leave the hospital. ▪ If your wound site is closed with steri-strips or skin glue, these will come off on their own in 2 to 3 weeks. Wound Infection ▪ Some clear, light yellow or blood-tinged drainage from the incision is to be expected. ▪ If you have a drain in place, it is normal to have drainage in the drain and even around the drain site (where it comes out of your skin). The amount and color of drainage can change with time. ▪ Some bruising and swelling around the incision is to be expected. ▪ Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding dressing changes. Remember to always wash your hands before and after touching your surgical wound. ▪ Call your surgeon right away if you develop any sign of infection, including: o Fever (101.5 or greater) o Redness, tenderness or increased warmth around incision o Pus-like or foul-smelling drainage from incision Dealing with Urinary Difficulty ▪ Before surgery, talk with your surgeon if you are having any symptoms with urinating – such as frequency, urgency, straining or incomplete emptying of your bladder. ▪ Opioid use can increase your risk of not being able to urinate. Explore over-the-counter medications to help manage your pain.