Frequently Asked Questions
What pain medication is best after surgery?
What should I do immediately after surgery?
What should I do to prepare for surgery?
- What pain medication is best after surgery?
After surgery, we will prescribe pain medication to control pain and to keep you comfortable.
* Pain medication customarily takes an hour to become effective.
* Take the prescribed medication before you feel intense pain.
* While medicated, do not drive or do anything that requires alertness.
* Do not drink alcohol while medicated.
These medications are narcotic analgesic agents. With all pain medication, side effects are possible. If you experience nausea, vomiting, extreme dizziness, light-headedness, urine retention, rash or headaches, please call 207-553-6681). Tell the nighttime answering service to page Dr. Pomeroy / Dr. Ameglio/Dr. Meredith per these instructions. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your pain medication may be changed. Some medication causes constipation, so be sure to increase your water, fruit and fiber intake.
Take pain medication only as directed and only when necessary to relieve pain. For example, you might wish to take pain medication before removal of sutures or staples. Requests for pain medication refills will be accepted only during normal working hours. Plan ahead for your prescription needs.
Call us if you experience any problems or have questions.
- What should I do immediately after surgery?
For your safety and comfort, please follow these discharge and post-operative instructions:
* Plan to have care for a two-week period while you are on complete bed rest.
* Do not put any weight on the operative foot, until the physician indicates it is acceptable.
* Do not remove any sterile dressing. Keep the dressing clean and dry.
* If you develop a fever above 101 degrees, call our office (207-553-6681) anytime day or night. Tell the nighttime answering service that you have an emergency need.
* Loosen the bed covers at the foot of your bed. Use pillows to keep your foot elevated (above your heart) to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Bed-rest is recommended.
* To promote circulation and healing, dangle your foot over the edge of the bed for a couple of minutes each hour. Otherwise, keep elevated, when possible.
* It is important that you eat a high protein diet and drink plenty of liquids for several days following surgery.
- What should I do to prepare for surgery?
Here's a list of pre-op "do's and don'ts":
* You must not eat or drink (including water) after midnight preceding the day of your scheduled surgery.
* You should not take any medication after midnight preceding the day of your scheduled surgery, unless instructed to do so by one of the our physicians or an anesthesiologist.
* You should refrain from alcohol use within twenty-four hours of scheduled surgery. You should reduce or eliminate tobacco use prior to surgery and during the recovery and healing period.
* Please bathe the day before surgery, paying particular attention to your afflicted foot or ankle.
* You should ask someone to drive you home after surgery. One of the physicians in the office will tell you when it is safe to drive again.
* Any change in your general health or physical condition prior to surgery should be reported to office staff as soon as possible. Such changes include colds, flu or fever.
