Day One After Operation Onwards

The table below outlines the key goals which we will aim to achieve with you each day.  These goals are based on helping you to heal well and recover quickly and safely.

We aim to get you back on your feet as soon as possible after surgery, to aid your recovery and reduce the risk of post surgery complications such as chest infection, pressure sores and blood clots.  To achieve this:

  • your pain needs to be well controlled
  • any nausea and vomiting needs to be managed
  • you need to drink plenty and eat well (you may prefer to eat little and often)
  • we will remove any drips and tubes as soon as possible to reduce obstacles to your moving around freely
  • aim to get dressed in day clothes rather than nightwear as soon as possible to help you feel you are getting back to your normal self

Time for Treatment, Care and Therapy

Members of the team will need to treat and support you throughout the day, including ‘visiting hours’.

If a member of the team needs to see you when you have visitors, we ask that they give you the time, privacy and physical space needed to do your exercises, receive your treatment or complete a consultation.  The member of staff will be able to provide you and your visitors with an idea of how long you will need.

Treatment, care and therapy timetable

 

First Day After Operation

Second Day After Operation

Third Day and Onwards

Observations

Minimum 4 times a day

Minimum 4 times a day

Minimum 4 times a day

DVT Prevention

Clexane injection and calf pumps. 

Clexane injection and calf pumps

Clexane injection and calf pumps.

 

 

Pain Control

Regular tablets at least 4 times a day

If you are still in pain let the team know

Regular tablets at least 4 times a day

If you are still in pain let the team know

Regular tablets at least 4 times a day

If you are still in pain let the team know

 

 

Eating & Drinking

Aim to eat well and drink plenty. 

 

You may find it easier to eat ‘little and often’.

If you feel sick let the team know.

Continue eating and drinking well to encourage healing and recovery. 

 

You will be encouraged to sit in a chair to eat all your meals.  This aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.

 

If you feel sick, let the team know

 

 

Movement

Sit out of bed

 

Start physio bed exercises

 

Sit out of bed

 

Aim to walk to the toilet or use the commode

 

Physio exercises

Each day you should be able to walk a bit further. 

 

You will use a walking frame first and then start to use  crutches

 

Aim to move frequently through out the day.

 

Drips and Catheters

If drinking well, drip will be removed.

 

If urinary catheter in place, it should be removed.

 

 

Wound Care

Wound checked.  Dressing will only be changed if wound leaking,

Blood Test

You will have a routine blood test.

 

 

 

Personal Care

Team will assist you to wash.

Aim to wash yourself

 

Aim to get dressed in loose comfortable day clothes

Aim to get dressed and manage your personal care (to your normal level of independence)

Discharge Planning

OT review

OT review

 

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