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.
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First Day After Operation |
Second Day After Operation |
Third Day and Onwards |
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Observations |
Minimum 4 times a day |
Minimum 4 times a day |
Minimum 4 times a day |
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DVT Prevention |
Clexane injection and calf pumps. |
Clexane injection and calf pumps |
Clexane injection and calf pumps. |
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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 |
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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 |
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Movement |
Sit out of bed
Start physio bed exercises
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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. |
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Drips and Catheters |
If drinking well, drip will be removed.
If urinary catheter in place, it should be removed. |
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Wound Care |
Wound checked. Dressing will only be changed if wound leaking, |
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Blood Test |
You will have a routine blood test. |
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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) |
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Discharge Planning |
OT review |
OT review |
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