I was given a sheet of instructions to follow after discharge. There were several sections with check boxes. Below I have listed the sections and typed out the checked instructions.

OPERATIVE SITE / BANDAGE / DRESSING 

• Keep operative site elevated for the next 24 hours
• Apply ice to operative site 15 minutes out of each hour for 24 hours
• Remove bandage in 2 days

• You may shower in 2 days
• Cover incision securely with plastic for bathing
• Pat dry after shower
• Recover incisions with bandaids
• Change bandaids daily thereafter

ACTIVITY

• DO NOT
  • Push
  • Pull
  • Lift more than 2 lbs
  • Overhead lift
  • Lean on
• Pendulums/Circles 10 reps 5 times per day starting 3/8/06 (day after)
• Open and close fist every 30 minutes starting 3/7/06 (day of surgery – as soon as nerve block wears off)
• Sling/Immobilizer May remove for exercises / bathing

MEDCATIONS 

• Lortab 7.5mg one to two tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain
• DO NOT exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours
• DO NOT take additional Tylenol while taking this
• Resume pre-operative diet
• Take prescription with food
• You may take Advil 800mg every 8 hours additional

OTHER

• Someone must stay with you for 24 hours after the surgery