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Post Operative Instructions for Hand Surgical Procedures
Elevate your operated arm, especially for the first two to three days. You may prop it up on two pillows or lay your arm over your chest while lying down. When you are sitting up in a reclining chair, elevate your arm on several pillows so that your arm is at the level of your heart. Finger motion is encouraged unless you are told otherwise by your physician. You may experience some swelling in the hand. Finger motion will help to decrease the swelling. For patients undergoing tendon repairs, you will not be permitted to move your fingers freely after surgery. Use your prescribed pain medication as needed. As an alternative, you may use over-the-counter pain medication, if adequate and preferred; "Extra Strength Tylenol" or "Motrin" is recommended. You may remove your surgical dressings five days after surgery and shower. Do not, however, immerse the hand in a bath tub, pool or hot tub. Do not scrub the incision. After showering, gently dab the incision dry with a towel and cover with band-aids. You may experience some numbness in the fingers after surgery. If this persists, please contact your surgeon. Please call the office the next business day following surgery to schedule an appointment for approximately 10-14 days after your surgery. You can reach the scheduling secretary at
| Owings Mills |
(410) 484-8088 |
| Westminster |
(410) 876-8077 |
| Eldersburg |
(410) 549-5780 |
Should you have any problems, please call the respective office. A physician is on call 24 hours a day and can be reached through the answering office by calling the regular office phone number. Soreness and aching in the hand are not uncommon after surgery. These symptoms should gradually disappear. If, however, you are experiencing severe or increasing pain, a temperature above 101°, marked redness about the hand or forearm, or other concerns in regard to your surgery, please call your surgeon immediately. A physician is on call 24 hours a day and can be reached through the answering service by calling the regular office phone number. It is not unusual to experience some nausea or to feel tired after surgery. Fluids are encouraged. In addition, a light diet for the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery is recommended.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office.
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