Surgery can be a stressful experience.  We hope your recovery goes smoothly.  To help reduce some of your anxiety and reduce surgical discomfort we offer these tips:

1.      Plan on getting some extra rest time.  Don’t be in a big hurry to return back to “business as usual”. 

2.      Avoid strenuous activities like landscaping, furniture moving, shoveling, heavy lifting, working out and lawn mowing by foot.

3.      For the first few days, it is common for the area around the incision to be swollen, discolored, and sore.  To help reduce swelling, you can put an ice pack in a thin towel.  Place the towel on the swollen area 3 to 5 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. 

4.      It is common to see bruising of the area near the operation site.  In men, the scrotum often becomes bruised.  The testicle(s) may become sensitive.  This is normal and will resolve.

5.      You have been given a prescription strength pain reliever:  Use it if you have pain at a level 6/10 or above.  For less severe pain, use a non-prescription pain reliever—Tylenol (acetaminophen) is preferred.

6.      When returning to your routine, follow this simple rule:  “If it hurts, don’t do it.” 

7.      Eat healthy, high fiber foods and drink lots of fluids to avoid constipation.  If you feel the need, a basic laxative can be used to stimulate a bowel movement:  Milk of Magnesia.

8.      You can begin having sex again when you feel ready.

9.      Keep your follow up appointment and if you have questions write them down so you won’t forget them.

10. Call Dr. Dachman if you have a fever over 101 degrees F, trouble urinating or unusual heavy bleeding.

Gallbladder Removal

1.      Plan on getting some extra rest time.  Don’t be in a big hurry to return back to “business as usual”. 

2.      Avoid strenuous activities like landscaping, furniture moving, shoveling, heavy lifting, working out and lawn mowing by foot.

3.      For the first few days, it is common for the area around the incisions to be swollen, discolored, and sore.  It is common to see bruising of the area near the operation site.  An ice pack over the incisions for 15-20 minutes at a time may help reduce soreness and bruising.

4.      You have been given a prescription strength pain reliever:  Use it if you have pain at a level 6/10 or above.  For less severe pain, use a non-prescription pain reliever—Tylenol (acetaminophen) is preferred.

5.      When returning to your routine, follow this simple rule:  “If it hurts, don’t do it.” 

6.      It generally takes around 10 days to feel fully re-energized.

7.      Eat healthy, high fiber foods and drink lots of fluids to avoid constipation.  If you feel the need, a basic laxative can be used to stimulate a bowel movement:  Milk of Magnesia.

8.      You can begin having sex again when you feel ready.

9.      Keep your follow up appointment and if you have questions write them down so you won’t forget them.

Breast Biopsy

1.      We ask that you rest for the remainder of the day following your biopsy.

2.      The elastic binder should remain in place for the first 24 hours following your procedure—this reduces swelling and bruising.  If it feels too tight, you may remove it.  We suggest you wear a good support bra instead—sleep in your bra for the first evening after the biopsy.

3.      When removing the elastic bandage and gauze, please discard the gauze.  You may keep the elastic bandage for future use if you wish.

4.      Shower over the incision and wash with a mild soap.  Rinse, pat dry and you may wear your usual bra as desired.  We recommend placing gauze or a folded Kleenex in your bra cup to protect it from blood spotting.

5.      Avoid bumping your breast.  This can stimulate bleeding and bruising.

6.      Use a non-aspirin pain reliever like Acetaminophen or your prescription strength pain medicine.

7.      Results from your biopsy will be discussed at your postoperative visit.