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Ileo-Pouch Anal Anastomosis Guide
Remember, you just had major surgery. When you get home, you will continue to experience a moderate amount of pain and you will be surprised at how easily you will tire. Fatigue, in fact, is the most common complaint by recovering patients.
Your Incision
Yes, you may shower.
After you return home, you may experience slight drainage from the incision. Do not worry about this drainage; just protect your clothing. It is very difficult to cause infections at this time, so you can shower or bathe as you choose-even though the wound may be draining.
Prescription Refills
The quickest way to obtain a new supply of your medications is to have your pharmacist call our office at (323) 442-5751. Allow at least one full day to process refills. Don't wait until you are out of your medications to call.
Diet
Once you are home, you may eat or drink anything you like. You may find that some foods, such as raw vegetables or greasy foods, will cause you to have excessive gas. This is because the antibiotics that were given to you may have changed the bacteria in your body. If you do experience excessive gas from certain foods, wait a week or two and try these foods again.
Activity
Do not do any heavy lifting (more than 10 pounds) for the first few weeks following surgery. You are encouraged to develop a modest exercise program of walking. This will improve your circulation, help speed your recovery and generally make you feel better. You may walk as much or as often as you like, but when you are tired, rest or take a nap.
Driving
You may ride in a car following your surgery, but do not drive until you are off all narcotic pain medication and you are sure that you can drive safely. In particular, your mobility must have returned to the point where you can hit the brake quickly.
Post-Operative Appointments
To simplify your recovery period, we try to avoid unnecessary trips to our office immediately following your surgery. If there are any problems, we will want to see you promptly. If you are doing well, we want to see you about six weeks following surgery. At this time, we will see you in the office and review your final dismissal instructions with you.
Problems
If you are feeling well, and believe you are making satisfactory progress, you most likely are. If you are having a problem, it will not be subtle. At that point we want you to call promptly rather than waiting until the next appointment or call from our office.
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