![]() Some people never take a pain pill after surgery and other patients take them for a week or so. We suggest trying to anticipate and stay ahead of the pain for the first several days after surgery.ĭon’t be a clock-watcher.If the pain medicine only lasts 2.5 hours instead of 3–4 hours like the bottle says, simply take it a little more often. Pain pills take a good 30–45 minutes to be absorbed and start giving pain relief. People vary in how much and how often they need to take pain medicine. The pain medicine doesn’t last long enough, but the bottle says “take every 3–4 hours.” Can I take it more often? You may also use a plastic bag with tape or a rubber band. We suggest simply wrapping the leg with plastic wrap (e.g., Handi-Wrap, etc.) above and below the dressing. Until then, you will need to cover the dressing and brace to keep it dry while in the shower. We recommend removing the dressing, placing large band-aids over the incisions, and then reapplying the ace wrap. After that, you may follow the above instructions. We would like the operative dressing to be left in place for the first 3 days. My appointment is not for over a week do I need to keep the dressing on? Prior to this, please wash your hands, and don’t mess with the incisions. The ace wrap will help keep the brace from chafing your skin. ![]() If it has been a couple of days, you may remove the dressing and cover the incisions with large band-aids, then reapply the ace wrap. You may want to unwrap the ace wrap bandage and reapply it. You may want to try to pull it back into place. Dressing/Bandageĭon’t worry due to the shape of our legs, this does happen. Insurance does not reimburse for them unfortunately. Some patients prefer PolarCare™ or Game Ready® coolers. Will the moisture from the ice get my incision wet? Will the ice penetrate through the dressing? The first night and first day following surgery, you should ice as much as possible. For the first few days after your surgery, “the more, the better.” Ice approximately 30 minutes 3–5 times per day. Ice helps with the swelling and can help to decrease pain after surgery. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Once you can walk in the brace unlocked (i.e., full motion), we will then discontinue the brace. The brace has hinges on the side that will allow us to slowly increase the amount of bending. When you are off the crutches and walking with minimal difficulty, we will then start to unlock the brace. Initially, the brace will be locked straight for walking. The brace will be worn for up to 6 weeks after surgery. The brace will help keep your knee safe while you walk right away. The brace is necessary to protect the new ligament. Knee Braceĭo I really need to wear this horrible, big uncomfortable brace? Some patients need crutches for a few days after surgery to help support them while walking while others never use them at all. This will likely be if you feel unsteady or pain while you walk. It is difficult to predict who may or may not need them. Many surgeons give their patients crutches after surgery while many do not. ![]() If you have received a peripheral nerve block, you must be non-weight bearing on the operative leg until block wears off. ![]() One of the great advantages of knee arthroscopy is that you may start walking on the operated knee right away. ACL Reconstruction Post-Surgery FAQ Weight BearingĪll of it. After a general anesthetic, it is normal to feel generalized aching and sore muscles for 24 hours. Do not consume alcohol, drive, operate machinery, or make important personal or business decisions for 24 hours. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or sleepy for 24 hours or longer. Although you may feel normal, your reflexes and mental ability may be impaired. The subtle effects of general anesthesia or sedation with regional/local anesthesia can last more than 24 hours. The pain is severe and unrelieved with medication. Office Appointment: If you do not already have a post–op appointment, please call our office to make one. Use Cryo/Cuff ®, PolarCare™, or Game Ready ® as directed (see attached instruction sheet). If you received a peripheral nerve block, you must be non-weight bearing on the operative leg until block wears off.ĭressings: Keep dressings dry and intact with knee immobilizer in place for 3 days unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.Īpply an ice pack to the knee to minimize pain and swelling. One tablespoon of milk of magnesia is effective and can be taken once or twice daily. You can ward off constipation by increasing both dietary fiber and water intake.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |