After your surgery, you will receive a post-operative instruction sheet that will outline specific guidelines for your surgery recovery. Here are general guidelines and recommendations for those who have had upper extremity surgery:

Diet: After the anesthesia, start with clear liquids and light foods to avoid nausea. Gradually move to a normal diet as tolerated.

Ice/Elevation: Icing and elevation are crucial for reducing swelling and controlling pain. Do not place ice directly on the skin.

Medications: Some pain is expected after surgery. The aim is to control the pain, not eliminate it. Anti-inflammatory medications are more effective at pain control than narcotic pain meds. Narcotics can cause side effects like constipation, nausea, itching, and drowsiness. Take an over-the-counter stool softener and Benadryl for itching, if needed. Do not take additional Tylenol if the product already contains Tylenol.

Refill Policy: Due to the opioid addiction epidemic in the US and new regulations by the State of North Carolina, refilling narcotic pain meds may not be possible. Please use these medications responsibly.

Tylenol and Anti-inflammatory meds (such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Mobic, or Indomethacin) are recommended for pain control. However, do not take these meds if you have had an ulcer in the past without clearance from your primary care doctor. Take NSAIDs with food or antacid to reduce stomach discomfort.

Anesthesia: Nausea is common after general anesthesia and will subside over time. If you received a nerve block for post-op pain control, you may experience numbness or limb immobility, which can last up to 36 hours. Call the office if it lasts longer. Hiccuping, dilated eyes, or difficulty breathing may occur, and if you have trouble breathing, go to the nearest emergency room. Start taking the meds as soon as you feel tingling to stay ahead of the pain.

Dressings: Do not remove your hard splint until follow-up. You can shower but cover the splint with a plastic bag to keep it clean and dry. If the dressing can be removed, it will be specified in the post-op sheet. Do not remove white stickers or surgical glue. After removal, cover incisions with waterproof bandages.

Incision: Do not apply ointments or creams to the incision, including triple antibiotic ointment. Do not soak incisions in water (including baths, pools, hot tubs, and dish water). If needed, a prescription to avoid dishwashing can be provided by Dr. Chambers.

Home Exercises: You may start home hand exercises as specified in a document you may receive.

Driving and Travel: There are no formal guidelines for when patients can drive after upper extremity surgery. Do not drive while taking pain meds. Insurance companies and law enforcement generally place the responsibility of safe driving on the patient, so use your discretion. If unsure, do not risk your life or others.

Returning to Work/School: This will be determined by the patient and Dr. Chambers and will vary for each person. If a note is needed for work/school, let the office know.

What to Expect: Pain is expected, but everything will be done to make it tolerable. Mild swelling, redness, numbness, and bruising around the incision site are normal. Low-grade fevers (less than 101.5°F) are common during the first week after surgery. Drink plenty of fluids and focus on breathing