DEXTER G. TURNQUEST, MD PA

POSTOPERATIVE APPENDECTOMY(Appendix Removal)

ACTIVITY:
· It is common to feel tired for the first few weeks following any operation.
· Try to get up and walk around the house as much as possible.
· Do NOT do any heavy lifting or vigorous physical activity for a week or two until you feel well.
· You can take a shower or a bath.
· Do NOT drive a car if you are taking pain medicine.
· Sexual activity is fine when you are comfortable.

DIET:
· You may eat the diet you had before surgery. Eat whatever seems to agree with you best.
· Generally, bland, low-fat foods will settle in your stomach better.
· Your appetite may be less than normal.
· Drink lots of fluids.

DAILY INCISION CARE:
· Your incision may be covered with a waterproof dressing (Tegaderm) and Steri-Strips (little white strips of tape). Leave the steri-strips in place for ten days.
· Take the tegaderm off if there is a lot of drainage under it, or any time after 48 hours.

COMMON PROBLEMS:
· Pain medicines often cause constipation (not being able to have a bowel movement).
· If you have constipation, take one tablespoon of Metamucil for the first few weeks to help with the problem.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF:
· Your temperature is greater than 101F (or 38.3C).
· You have continued nausea or diarrhea.
· You have new redness or swelling around the wound, increasing pain, a lot of bleeding, pus or a foul odor from the wound.

FOLLOW-UP:
· If you do not have an appointment for a follow-up visit, call your doctor’s office and schedule one for 7-10 days after you go home.
· For any questions that are not emergencies, call the floor where you were a patient.
· In case of emergencies, call your doctor’s office and/or go to the Houston Northwest Emergency Room.

Postoperative Instructions