Post-Operative Shoulder Surgery Discharge Instructions
Keep your arm in a sling at all times. The band/swathe around your waist/sling may be removed once the anesthetic from the block wears off.
You were given an interscalene block administered by the anesthesiologist. This block deadens the sensation and pain in the arm for 8-24 hours. The arm may feel numb and tingly. This will wear off and the post-operative pain will set in.
You have been given pain medications. Please take them as directed. You may resume your normal daily medications, unless instructed otherwise.
You may shower as soon as the second day after surgery. You can remove the sling to do so. Leave your shoulder dressing on when you shower. After showering, remove the dressing, pat the skin dry around the wound and replace with a clean, dry dressing. Change dressing as needed prior to your first post-operative visit to keep clean and dry.
Swelling and bruising may occur after surgery. You might notice this down your arm to your fingers or even along your side. This is normal and will subside in several days.
You may use your arm to assist you with eating, dressing, brushing your teeth, or reading a book. Do not lift anything heavier than a telephone.
Sleeping flat after shoulder surgery is sometimes difficult and uncomfortable. It is recommended to sleep with a pillow behind the elbow.
You can apply ice to the shoulder throughout the day — 20 minutes on followed by one hour off — to help control the swelling and pain.
Perform therapy exercises at home as instructed to you by the therapist in the hospital.
Call 708-236-2701 to schedule your post-operative appointment within the next 1-2 weeks at Rush, Rush Oak Park, Westchester, or Winfield.
In the event of an after-hour emergency, you may call this 24-hour answering service: 312-243-4244.
Click here to download instructions in Spanish. (Clic aquí para descargar las instrucciones en español)
Post-Operative Elbow Surgery Discharge Instructions
Keep your arm in a sling, except when bathing or sitting with your arm supported.
The dressing/splint must remain clean, dry, and intact until your post-operative visit. Do NOT remove.
You have been given pain medications. Please take them AS DIRECTED. If you were given a block by the anestheologist, your pain will be controlled for approximately 12 hours. Start taking the oral pain medications when you get home, prior to the block wearing off. This will smooth out the sharp onset of pain after the block wears off.
Elevate the arm in order to decrease the swelling and pain. Begin moving any exposed fingers as soon as possible to prevent swelling and stiffness.
You may use your arm to assist you with eating, dressing, brushing your teeth, or reading a book. Do not lift anything heavier than a telephone.
You can also ice throughout the day — 20 minutes on followed by one hour off — to help control the swelling and pain.
Call 708-236-2780 to schedule your post-operative appointment next week at Rush, Oak Park, Westchester, or Central Dupage.
In the event of an after-hour emergency, you may call this 24-hour answering service: 312-243-4244.
Click here to download instructions in Spanish. (Clic aquí para descargar las instrucciones en español)
Post-Operative Knee Arthroscopy Discharge Instructions
You may walk with full weight on your knee after surgery. You may use crutches to support your normal gait, but they are not mandatory.
You may remove the elastic wrap around the knee 2 days after surgery, at which point you can shower. Let the water run off the incisions, pat them dry, and place a band-aid on each incision site. Do NOT scrub the incisions or put ointment on them. Do NOT soak the knee in a bathtub or hot-tub for at least 3 weeks after surgery.
You have been given pain medications. Please take them AS DIRECTED.
Elevate the leg in order to decrease the swelling and pain.
No squatting activities are advised for 3-4 days.
You can ice throughout the day — 20 minutes on followed by one hour off — to help control the swelling and pain.
Call 708-236-2701 to schedule your post-operative appointment next week at Rush, Oak Park, Westchester, or Winfield.
In the event of an after-hour emergency, you may call this 24-hour answering service: 312-243-4244.
Click here to download instructions in Spanish. (Clic aquí para descargar las instrucciones en español)