Wearing a brace
You may need to wear a brace following your surgery. It’s important to wear this brace throughout the whole day, but it isn’t necessary while sleeping.
Walking
Walking promotes healing by keeping healthy blood circulating. It also helps prevent blood clots, pneumonia, and constipation. Make it a priority to walk 1 mile every day after surgery, either all at once or broken up throughout the day.
Travel
If you feel up to it, traveling on a plane is permitted 4 weeks after your surgery, and traveling as a passenger in a car is fine anytime after surgery. To decrease the risk of blood clots and stiffness, remember to take regular stretching and moving breaks for all trips over 1 hour.
Returning to Work
Since work duties vary greatly between jobs and individuals, you and your surgeon will discuss a return-to-work plan that’s tailored to you. It’s important to return to activities slowly and gradually, paying attention to signs you may be pushing yourself too quickly (like fatigue and pain).
Post-Op Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
✔ Wear your brace at all times while out of bed
✔ Walk 1 mile every day
✔ Change positions often
✔ Limit sitting to 20 minutes at a time
✔ Keep incisions clean and dry
✔ Wear compression stockings until daily mile walks are consistent
Don’t:
✖ Lift anything over 5 pounds
✖ Bend or twist in repetitive ways
✖ Smoke
✖ Take anti-inflammatories until cleared with by surgeon
Please report any of these post-op concerns to your surgeon:
Increased drainage from your incision
Increased leg pain or weakness
Increased swelling or redness around the incision site
ALERT: Chest pain or shortness of breath is considered a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention.
