The following information has been selected to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding the postoperative
recovery period. Careful attention to these instructions will reduce your discomfort and aid in a successful recovery. If you have any concerns, please refer to your Hand and Shoulder Center surgical booklet or call our
office.
MONDAY - FRIDAY
716-887-4040
8:00 A.M. 4:00 P.M.
Your call will be returned by one of our nurses.EVENINGS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS
716-887-4040
The hospital operator will take a message and page the M.D. on call
for the Hand and Shoulder Center.
An M.D. will return your call. |
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POSTOPERATIVE DOCTOR AND THERAPY APPOINTMENTS
The appointment scheduler will contact you with your appointment to see the doctor.
If you have not received a call within 3 days of your surgery to arrange this visit, please call our office and speak to the appointment secretary. You physician may want
you to start Hand Therapy prior to seeing him in the office. If ordered, the Hand Therapy Department will contact you directly to arrange this. In some cases, therapy
can be arranged closer to home, however this should be discussed with the physician at your postoperative visit. Unless arranged in advance, all therapy prior to your
appointment with the physician will be done at Kaleida Health Hand Therapy Department. DRAINAGE/BLEEDING
Drainage on the dressing may be normal. It is important to be aware of the amount, color, consistency and odor of any drainage. If you experience any sudden increase
in drainage, or change in color, consistency or odor, call our office. PAIN MEDICATION
The goal of pain medication is to reduce your pain and make you more comfortable. Pain medication may not completely relieve all discomfort. Control of swelling (see
swelling) is an important part of pain control. If needed, pain medication should be taken as ordered.
NEVER EXCEED THE PRESCRIBED DOSAGE OF MEDICATION. Excessive pain that is not adequately controlled with the prescribed medication
and control of postoperative swelling may indicate a problem and you should call our office.
If your prescription is related to a Worker's Compensation Board case, you must go through your WCB insurance carrier for payment of medications. Take your WCB
information to your pharmacy when getting your prescription filled. Your pharmacy has the appropriate forms needed to process your prescription payment through the Workers' Compensation Board. SLING USE AND ELEVATION
To be used only 1-3 days after surgery and use only when up ambulating.
- DO NOT USE SLING: When sitting in a chair or laying down in bed.
- DO ELEVATE EXTREMITY on pillows above the level of your heart.
SWELLING
Swelling of the hand and fingers is not unusual after surgery . Control of the swelling
will help reduce discomfort and prevent stiffness in joints. The following steps will help reduce swelling:If there are no changes in the skin temperature or color of the fingers:
- Using pillows, elevate the hand above the heart level 10-14 inches. (An example of this would be holding can of soda to your mouth).
- Use ice packs on the soft side of dressings and splint or affected areas for 10 minute intervals every 1/2 hour while the hand is elevated.
- Gently exercise all joints not restricted by a splint.
If the temperature of the skin is noticeably colder than the unaffected side, or the skin develops a "blue" or "pale" appearance, telephone our office immediately. DRESSINGS/SPLINTS
The purpose of dressings and splints is to immobilize and protect the surgery area, and promote healing. You may take a shower or bath with your dressing and/or splint
on, but you should not get the dressings or splint wet. Wrap the area in a plastic bag and secure the open end with tape. Waterproof splint/cast protectors are also
available for purchase at most pharmacies. If your dressings or splint become soaked, you should phone our office as soon as possible. Unless instructed otherwise by your
physician, DO NOT REMOVE YOUR OWN DRESSING OR SPLINT. Dressings and splints will be changed at your appointment with the physician or therapist. |
