Safety Tips
- Pain control is needed for a person’s recovery. Be sure to talk with the person before surgery about the need to take pain medicine as prescribed by the doctor. Pain control makes it easier for a person to move, walk about, and begin normal day-to-day activities. Be aware that pain medicines may make a person sleepy, less steady when walking, or confused. Tell the nurses in the hospital if you notice any of these changes. The person may need extra assistance when getting out of bed to prevent a fall.
- The postoperative exercises cannot hurt a person, unless they are done incorrectly. If your friend or family member has surgery over the chest or abdomen (belly) be sure they splint or support the incision when they cough.
- When the person returns home after surgery, be sure the person follows all activity or diet instructions and takes their medicines as prescribed. See our future lesson on Care After Surgery.