Getting Back to Daily Activities
Keep your leg elevated on a pillow for 80 percent of the time for the first 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. You may do the exercises in this booklet in your non-resting time.
Is there anything I cannot do after surgery?
- DO NOT drive a motor vehicle home and for at least 1 week after surgery because of medications and healing.
- DO NOT drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medication because taking both together can be dangerous.
- DO NOT lift anything weighing more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks after the surgery because it may damage the incision.
- DO NOT use leg weights, or go to the gym, or go bike riding, or take long walks for 4 weeks after the surgery because these activities may damage the incision.
- DO NOT swim or use a hot tub/bath if the skin of the wound is open, or if the drains are still in.
Will I feel tired during my recovery?
- It is normal to feel tired for up to 2 months after your surgery.
- This may make it hard for you to do all of your regular activities.
- Learning ways to best use your energy will help you to complete activities and get through the day:
- Listen to what your body tells you.
- Set small goals for the day and don't worry if you don't get everything done.
- Take rest breaks often.
When can I wash?
- You may have a shower 48 hours after surgery.
- Remove the dressing around the drain when you shower.
- When showering, loosely tie a scarf or bandana around your thigh so you can clip your drains to it.
- Sitting on a bathchair while you shower can make it easier to wash. You can rent a bathchair from a medical supply store.
- DO NOT scrub the incision.
- DO NOT use soaps, creams or lotions over the incision until it is fully healed.
- Gently pat dry using a clean towel.
- When dry, put on a clean dressing around the drain.
- When getting dressed, wear loose comfortable clothing.
- When putting on underwear and pants, dress the leg/side that was operated on first and when you are undressing that leg will come out last.
- DO NOT soak in a bathtub and DO NOT go swimming in a pool, lake or ocean until at least 4 weeks after the surgery.
What should I eat after surgery?
- You can return to your regular diet when you feel hungry.
- There is no special diet after surgery. However, adding more fibre to your diet will help to prevent constipation.
- A dietitian is available to answer your questions about food and nutrition.
- Please call 416-480-4623 to make an appointment.
When can I start my normal activities?
- Keep leg elevated and resting 80 percent of the time on a pillow for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
- You can walk around the house and outside – but rest most of the time.
- You may do the exercises in this booklet in your non-resting time.
- Make sure the drains are pinned or clipped to your pants or clothing to help keep them secure.
- No heavy lifting for 4 weeks
When can I go back to work?
- Discuss restarting work with your surgeon because other treatments may be required after surgery.
