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FAQ's - Care at home
- What if I begin to feel some pain?
- How soon can I go back to work?
- What if I have stitches?
- What about the dressing on my wound?
- When can I have a bath or shower?
- Do I need to go to see my G.P.?
- Will I have a follow-up appointment after my procedure?
- When can I drive?
- I'm due to go on holiday, how soon can I fly, after my day surgery procedure?
- How soon can I return to exercising at the gym?
What if I begin to feel some pain?
Make sure you comply with any instructions for the medication, which you need to take. You may be prescribed painkillers and these should be taken according to the instructions on the container. If these have not been prescribed, you may need to take a mild pain-relieving tablet such as aspirin or paracetamol, whichever you prefer.
How soon can I go back to work?
Although you have had a day procedure, you will need time to recover. For this reason, it is recommended that you negotiate your return to work. Recommendations for the amount of time to take off work are included in the specific procedures information leaflets.
What if I have stitches?
Basic instructions about the care of stitches are included in your specific operation information leaflet:
Before you leave the Day Unit, you will be given advice about aftercare, if you have stitches. Your wound will probably have dissolvable stitches. Although these do not need removing, it is recommended that you have your wound checked by the Practice Nurse after 4 or 5 days. The nurse will give you a letter for the Practice Nurse before you are discharged from the Unit.
Some patients have SteristripsTM (small strips of adhesive tape) rather than stitches in their wounds.
Your consultant will choose the best option for you.
What about the dressing on my wound?
Basic instructions about the care of the dressing are included in your specific operation information leaflet:
Further advice will be given, before you leave the Unit. If the District/Practice Nurse needs to change the dressing, you will be given a letter for him/her and appropriate arrangements will be made, before you are discharged.
When can I have a bath or shower?
You will find information about having a bath or shower in your procedure information leaflet.
Will I have a follow-up appointment after my procedure?
If your doctor needs to see you again, following your procedure, you will be sent a letter advising you about your outpatient clinic appointment. Please ask the nursing staff if an appointment is necessary, before discharge from the Day Unit.
Do I need to go to see my G.P.?
Your specific operation information leaflet will give you advice about when you need to go and see your GP.
When can I drive?
If you have had a general anaesthetic, you will not be allowed to drive for 48 hours. Further restrictions will depend on the procedure you have had. Please consult your procedure information leaflet.
If you have had a local or regional anaesthetic, please ask the nurse looking after you for advice.
I’m due to go on holiday, how soon can I fly, after my day surgery procedure?
How soon you can fly, after day surgery, depends on the type of procedure you have and whether or not you have a general anaesthetic. This is something you should discuss with the surgeon and/or anaesthetist.
However, if you are having the following types of surgery you will need wait before flying:
- ear surgery
- eye surgery
- surgery on the legs eg varicose veins, arthroscopy, toenails
- laparoscopic procedures eg sterilisation, gall bladder surgery
- prostate surgery
- gynaecological surgery & termination of pregnancy
After varicose vein surgery, for example, air travel is often contra-indicated for about 6 weeks. Leg surgery and laparoscopic procedures increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg) after surgery. It is therefore important to ensure that you do not sit still for long periods of time, as this may cause swelling in the legs due to pooling of blood and fluid. You may be advised to take aspirin before your flight, and wear anti-embolic stockings ('flight socks'), if your doctor considers this necessary.
This advice would also apply to travel by coach or car.
If you normally have breathing problems, you should discuss these with the anaesthetist, who will be able to advise you regarding the need to delay your flight.
General travel advice
• Avoid drinking alcohol and drinks containing caffeine, as these can cause dehydration and increase the risk of a deep vein thrombosis.
• Avoid sitting for long periods of time
• Coach travel: long journeys should be avoided
• Car journeys: try to stop at regular intervals so that you have the opportunity to go for a walk to stretch your legs.
• Train journeys: ensure that you walk about the train, at regular intervals.
Health warning
You should seek urgent medical assistance, if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling and/or pain in the calf muscles
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
Click here for general information about the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and air travel.
How soon can I return to exercising at the gym?
After any procedure, you will need to return to normal fitness, gradually. You should seek advice from your surgeon before resuming any rigorous exercise.