Post Operative Instructions for Simple or Total Mastectomy Thank ...

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Your incision, or scar, has both stitches and steri-strips, which are small white strips of tape, and is covered by a gauze dressing and tape. You will be discharged from the hospital wearing a supportive garment (bra for women, vest for men) and it is best that you wear that as much as possible. Wearing this will help reduce swelling and will keep pressure on the biopsy site. It is advised that you also sleep with this on for the first evening as it will restrain movement of the breast. On the first day home from surgery watch your dressings (and around the drains if you have them) for any increased bleeding. Do not remove steri-strips or stitches. Do not cover or put ointment/lotions on the incisions. If gauze dressings were used, it is OK to remove the outer gauze dressings after 48 hours and leave the incision open to air. Replace the gauze when wearing bras or vests or when using ice packs. You may shower once the gauze dressings are removed on the second full day after surgery. It is alright to get the steristrips wet and you should not pull them off. They will come off as they loosen. After you shower, pat dry the incision area with a towel. Most people feel more comfortable wearing a bra (without underwires) or vest regularly for the first few days. Wear whatever is most comfortable for you. If you have a drain in place, remember to pin it to the bra or vest so that is isn’t hanging. Remember to unpin them when you remove the bra or vest. You may notice some drainage around the drain site. This is normal. Make sure the drain is functioning (not clogged) and fluid is not escaping from around the drain. The nurses will have taught you how to strip/milk the drain before you are discharged. Keep track of the drainage (See attached Log sheet) coming out of each drain. The initial drainage will be very red. As time passes the color will become more straw-like. The drains are usually removed at your first post operative visit with the provider in 7-10 days. You can discard the drainage in the toilet.
Once the drains are removed and until the wound heals you can expect drainage to continue. Youc an buy dressings at the drug store or use Kotex inside of your bra or vest to absorb the drainage. You may also notice some bruising and swelling. This too is normal. Every day will get better. What is not normal and you should contact the office if: o Fever over 100.5 or chills o Thick mucus like drainage from the incision, discharge or bad odor from the wound o EXTREME swelling, pain not relieved by medication and redness outside the dressing o Bright red bleeding from the incision that does not stop with pressure o Swelling or pain in the calves of your legs o Constipation o Allergic reactions to any of your medications Activity Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until the stitches or staples are removed. Avoid any activity that will cause even minor trauma to the surgical area particularly arm movement on the affected side. Walking is a normal activity that can be restarted right away. Avoid any direct trauma to the surgical site. For the first 7-10 days following your surgery avoid lifting, pushing or pulling with the side your surgery was performed (e.g. carrying groceries, vacuuming, lifting children) until the drains are removed. You will be given exercises to regain movement and flexibility. You may be referred to a physical therapist for additional rehabilitation if it is needed. You may resume driving when you are no longer on narcotics and you feel safe turning the wheel and stopping quickly. You may be able to return to work within three to six weeks. Return to work varies with your type of work, your overall health and personal preferences.
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Post Operative Instructions for Simple or Total Mastectomy Thank ...

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