In this leaflet you can find information about what you must pay attention to after the operation.

The operation

In the operative notes you can find information about the exact type of operation that has been performed.

How do I prevent infection?

• Avoid bathing in tub, swimming pool and seawater until the threads have been removed or the wound is healed.
• The bandage must not be wet, so you have to put a plastic bag around the bandage when you shower.

Pain after the operation

• The tablets you have bought at the pharmacy will be sufficient to relieve the pain in most cases.
• It is important that you take the painkillers in the first days after the operation to ensure as little pain and discomfort as possible. Of course you can stop taking the tablets if you do not feel pain any longer.
• You should hold your operated foot or arm upwards the first days. This prevents the foot or arm from swelling, and it relieves the throbbing pain.

Bandage

______ To be removed after 24 hours.

______ To be removed at control visit in the Outpatient Orthopaedic Clinic.

______ To be removed after ____ days.

Removal of threads

______ At your own doctor’s practice in ____ days. (you must book the appointment yourself).

______ In the outpatient orthopaedic clinic. (see exact time at your appointment card or in your e-boks).

______ Self dissolving thread.

Mobilization

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(See reverse page for information about painkillers)

After the operation

• An adult person must be with you during the first night.
• You are not allowed to drive a car the first 24 hours. It is not safe to drive as long as you are wearing a bandage.
• Immediately after the operation you can consume normal food and drinks.
• You can ask the doctor, when you can resume work.

When shall I take my medication?

The nurse has recommended that you take the first pain-relieving tablets at:

_________________________________________________________________________________

Other medication:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of contact nurse:

_________________________________________________________________________________

Remarks:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What do I do, If I feel ill?

You should seek medical assistance, if:

• You feel unwell.
• You have a fever of more than 38 degrees.
• You feel increasing pain in the operated area.
• You find that the bandage is too tight.
• There is severe bleeding through the bandage.
• Your operation wound becomes red, warm, swollen or sore.

If you experience problems within the first 24 hours you can contact:

• The Day Surgery Department from 08:00 a.m. to 15:00 at telephone no. 38 62 10 41.
• After 15:00 you must contact the emergency line 1813.

If you experience problems after the first 24 hours you can contact:

• The outpatient orthopaedic clinic from 08:00 a.m. - 15:00 at telephone no. 38 62 22 44.
• After 15:00 you must contact the emergency line 1813 or your own doctor.