Home after crash surgery: making the first few days work
A surgeon and a nurse navigator explain a recovery plan you can use
Surgery after a crash may treat only one part of a bigger injury. Your first days at home can bring pain, fatigue, several medicines and new equipment. You may not be sure who to call. Your surgeon sets the limits that protect the repair. A nurse navigator checks that you can follow those limits at home. The best discharge plan is detailed enough to use after the clinic closes. [1, 2]
Turn your discharge papers into one page
Write down the operation you had, the medicines to take now and the ones to stop or restart. Add wound care, activity limits, your next appointment date and a number to call after hours. If your surgery instructions clash with other crash instructions, ask someone on the care team to sort it out. If you saw more than one surgeon, note which office handles each problem. Take this page to every follow up visit. [1, 2]
Ask the team to explain each limit in terms of everyday tasks. Does “no weight bearing” apply when you get into bed? Can you climb steps, shower, drive or lift groceries? Which equipment will you need? If the plan counts on a helper, make sure one is really available. Before you leave the hospital, tell the team if your home setup makes the plan impossible. [1, 2]
What's normal and what's a warning sign
Some pain, swelling and soreness are expected after surgery. Ask how much is normal for your operation and when it should start to ease. Find out which signs mean you should call the surgeon that day and which mean emergency care. The list may include worsening pain, bleeding, fever, changes in the wound or trouble breathing. A new problem with movement or feeling may also be on it. Your exact warning list has to come from your own care team. [1, 2]
Do a dry run before the first night
Before your first night home, confirm your prescriptions were filled and you know when the next doses are due. Make sure you have supplies. Check that you can get to food, water and the toilet safely. Save the after hours number in your phone and write it on paper too. If home nursing or equipment was ordered, ask when it will show up and who to call if it doesn’t. [2, 3]
Try the “teach back” method. Explain in your own words how you’ll take your medicine and protect the surgical site. Then explain how you’ll handle a warning sign. If any step is unclear, ask to hear it again. Teach back checks how clear the instructions are. You’re not the one being tested. [2, 3]
- What exactly was repaired, and what is protecting it now?
- Which office do I call for each new symptom?
- What needs to happen before my first follow up visit?
Write a plan for tonight and tomorrow
Sources and further reading
- 1MedlinePlus after surgery overview
- 2AHRQ discharge planning guidance
- 3AHRQ guide for leaving the hospital
Use this as a general guide from surgical and nursing care viewpoints. Your surgeon’s instructions for your specific procedure come first. Get help right away for severe new symptoms.
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