Timeline of recovery

Some dizziness and nausea/vomiting, shortly after surgery, are expected. For male patients, difficulty voiding also can be experienced. Some may require a flexible tube, called a catheter, to empty their bladder the first day.

With the help of nurses and physiotherapists, patients are encouraged to start exercises early-- including foot pumping and gentle range of motion. Patients are encouraged to sit, whether in bed or in a chair as soon as possible after surgery. Some will be strong enough to stand or do a little bit of walking shortly after surgery.

You will need to get moving to get your strength back and avoid problems. A physiotherapist will get you on your feet and teach you to pump your ankles to encourage blood flow. Walking may be difficult, but encouraged. Typically, patients should be able to get to the bathroom, independently, with a walker on day 1. 

If you are able to climb up and down one flight of stairs, you can be discharged home day 1 post-op.

You will learn how to keep your wound clean and dry, and to change your dressing. A bag of ice or frozen peas, wrapped in a towel, can help with pain and swelling. Although some swelling is normal, signs to watch for are: fever, redness, increased pain or swelling, and purulent discharge. 

Try to walk every couple of hours while you are awake. This helps your circulation, decreases your risk for complications like blood clots, and speeds your recovery process.

Your pain will be controlled through oral medications. Our goal is to wean you off any opioid or narcotic medication within 1 - 2 weeks. You will be able to return to your regular diet and should re-establish your regular bowel habits. As constipation is a common problem after surgery, due to the narcotics and your decreased mobility, you may be started on a stool softener.  You are encouraged to increase the fibre in your diet, drink plenty of water, exercise, monitor your bowel movements, and to seek intervention if you have not had one in  3 days. You will practice your walking daily, and perform strengthening and range of motion exercises 3 - 4 times a day on your own. You will be able to get to the bathroom and do your activities of daily living with minimal help.

Typically, patients will see the family doctor at 2 weeks after surgery to remove the staples from the incision.

Out-patient physiotherapy will begin 10 - 14 days after the surgery.

By 14 days, your incision should be dry and healed enough to be washed.

If the bandage is clean and dry there is no need to change it. Leave the bandage on and do not disturb the dressiung for 14 days until the staples are removed. Ater the staples are removed leave the incision dry for another 24 hours. Thereafter, you can shower normally and gently pat the wound dry, and put on a new dressing. Do not rub the area with any lotions or creams. Do not submerge your wound in a tub or swimming pool for at least 4 weeks after the surgery. 

Watch for bleeding or drainage from the incision. Drainage or bleeding the first few days is expected, but it is never normal to have drainage for more than 5 days. Other signs of infection to look for are: fever, redness, excessive pain & swelling.  Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

When you return to work is dependent upon your occupation. If you spend a lot of time sitting, you may be able to go back, as early as, a few weeks after your surgery. If your job is more physical, it may require you to wait 4 - 6 months.

You should be able to return to most of your normal activities.