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The following instructions should help during the first and second week after surgery. Although
individual responses vary widely following any operation, you (or your child) can expect to
return to normal in about ten (10) days.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE!!
NASAL DISCHARGE: This usually occurs for several days, and may be bloody at first, later
changing to mucus. Any profuse bright red bleeding that persists for more than twenty four (24)
hours should be reported to your doctor. Change your nasal drip pad as needed. After surgery,
please avoid nose blowing for at least one (1) week. If you are soaking through the drip pad more
frequently than every fifteen (15) minutes, please notify the office. See contact information
below.
NASAL CONGESTION: A stuffy nose is normal following sinus/nasal surgery due to swelling
of the tissues. This may last up to one (1) week after surgery. Nasal congestion may be alleviated
by humidification of the nose with a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier. Your physician may
insert a special packing in the nose after surgery. This will add to your general stuffiness. The
packing will be removed two to three (2-3) days after surgery. If you also had septoplasty
surgery, your physician may have placed intranasal splints, which will contribute to your
“stuffiness”. If you sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.
AFTER SURGERY CARE:
Salt-water/Saline irrigation is highly recommended to decrease
swelling and inflammation that may occur post operatively. The use of saline irrigation eight to
ten (8-10) times per day in each nostril can be quite helpful to moisturize the nose and clear
debris. Also, if you can take decongestants, these will help. They can be either in a spray
(Afrin) or pill form (Sudafed). Afrin should be used for no more than three (3) days after
surgery. Rest with your head elevated, to keep swelling to a minimum.
ACTIVITY: Rest at home for at least one (1) day. Gradually increase your daily activities after
that. Restrictions on activities should be discussed with your physician. Avoid any strenuous
activity or heavy lifting for two (2) weeks. Typically, you can return to work after your first
postoperative visit.
DIET: After discharge from the hospital or surgery center, adequate fluids are essential and may
be given in almost any form such as water, soda, juice, jello or popsicles. Encourage fluids for at
least ten (10) days. Soft foods are tolerated best at first and should be encouraged. Highly
seasoned or very scratchy food should be avoided. Normal diet can be advanced as tolerated.
PAIN: Pain and discomfort varies with each patient after surgery. Medication may be prescribed
to help control pain, take as directed. You may also use Tylenol or Acetaminophen.
FEVER: Very slight elevations of temperature during the first few days are usual. If the
temperature goes above 101.5 degrees, please contact us. See contact information below.
VOMITING: Nausea and vomiting may occur following anesthesia and usually clears after the
first day. If persistent nausea and vomiting occurs after the first day at home, please contact us.
See contact information below. MEDICATIONS:
Medication may be prescribed to help control pain, take as directed. You may
also use Tylenol or Acetaminophen. If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, take as directed.
You may resume any other medications that you use regularly the day after surgery. If taking
pain medications, avoid drinking alcohol or other dangerous situations.
DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR ASPIRIN CONTAINING MEDICATIONS FOR AT
LEAST TWO (2) WEEKS AFTER YOUR SURGERY.
FOLLOW-UP VISIT TO THE OFFICE:
If a postoperative appointment has not been made
for you, please call the office the day after surgery to arrange an appointment within one to two
(1-2) weeks following the surgery.
PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Visual problems consisting of loss of vision, double vision, or the bulging of one or both eyes.
2. Neck stiffness with fever and headache.
3. Brisk bleeding from the nose or excessive drowsiness and confusion.
PROBLEMS AND QUESTIONS:
For any problems that arise, or to ask any questions, please
call the office during regular business hours at (772) 398-9911, (772) 464-6055, (863) 357-7791
or contact the Answering Service after hours by dialing (772) 320-0400. Drs. Berghash, Lanza,
Wright or Zeiders are on call after hours and weekends for emergencies. |
