Operation Instructions
Each patient and procedure is unique. Therefore, if Dr. Farber gave you any instructions for your surgery that differ from the below, please follow those specific recommendations. As always, you may call our office with all of your questions or concerns, and any member of our staff will be happy to assist you.
Preoperative
Review your medications with Dr. Farber so that she can determine which you should continue or stop prior to surgery. In general, for one week before and after surgery you should:
- Avoid any NSAIDs such as Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, and other related medications that can increase your risk of bleeding
- Stop taking any vitamins or supplements unless specifically approved by Dr. Farber
- Discuss any anticoagulants or blood thinners you are taking with Dr. Farber and your PCP or cardiologist so that they can recommend the best course of action for you
Ensure that you are eating sufficient protein. Protein is very important for your wounds to heal properly. In general, you should consume 1-2 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight for 1 week before and 1 month after surgery.
- For example, a 135lb or 60kg woman should consume 60-120g of protein per day leading up to and after her surgery
Follow the instructions that you have received for what time to stop eating and drinking the night before surgery
Follow the instructions that you have received for when and where to undergo preoperative COVID testing
Call the office immediately with any changes in your health or medications
Postoperative
Dressings and Wound Care
Dr. Farber has applied a dressing that will remain in place for the next 2-3 weeks. You do not need to remove or change the dressing. If the glue on the dressing becomes too sticky, you can place clean gauze over top that will prevent it from adhering to clothing.
Showering
You may shower 48 hours after your surgery. When showering, you may allow soapy water to run over your incisions, but you should not allow the water to directly hit your surgical site. You should never take a bath or submerge your incisions until Dr. Farber has cleared you to do so.
Activity
Avoid lifting any items heavier than a milk carton or engaging in any strenuous activity until Dr. Farber clears you to do so. These restrictions include any activities that raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Lifting and exertion increase the risk of having postoperative bleeding or separation of your incisions. It is very important to walk frequently, at least every 2 hours while awake, to reduce your risk of a serious blood clot.
Diet
Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of protein as this will help with wound healing. Avoid alcohol for the week before and after surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Prescriptions
Pain
- You have been prescribed the following 3 pain medications to take as scheduled for the first few days after surgery: Celecoxib (an anti-inflammatory), Robaxin (a muscle relaxant), Gabapentin (a nerve relaxant)
- If you have breakthrough pain while taking all of the above, take Tylenol 650mg every 6 hours
- If you still have pain with all of the above medications, you can take the oxycodone that was prescribed. When taking oxycodone, be sure to also take a laxative or stool softener as narcotics increase the risk of constipation. Constipation after surgery can make you strain to have a bowel movement, which increases the risk of bleeding at the surgical site or separation of your incision.
Nausea
- You may take Zofran if you have nausea after anesthesia
Itching
- You may take Benadryl if you have any itching after anesthesia
When to Call
- Rapid development of swelling, discoloration, or other change in appearance of the surgical site
- Fever, drainage, or other symptoms concerning for infection
- Pain that will not go away while using the above pain medications
Call 470-961-9950 with any questions or issues.
Someone will answer the phone around the clock to address your concerns.
