After Surgery

Reva's corner:
Remember you have just undergone major surgery. It is normal to have postoperative discomfort, which you will be given some kind of pain medication. You will be repositioned for comfort; but this discomfort will decrease each day and will also decrease as you move around more.

In the Recovery Room
You'll awaken slowly in the recovery room, where you'll spend your first hour or two after surgery. Your nurse will constantly monitor your progress to ensure that your vital signs are stable, checking your pulse, blood pressure, temperature and respiration, as well as circulation in your legs and feet.

After Surgery
Following your short stay in the recovery room, you'll be taken to your hospital room. You'll notice a bulky dressing over the surgical incision and may have a drain in place to help decrease swelling in your knee.

Your heels will be elevated to decrease pressure on the surgically repaired knee. Support and compression stockings on your legs will help improve circulation and decrease your risk of blood clots.

You'll also be hooked up to an IV line, through which you'll receive fluids and medication (including an antibiotic). Your nurse will show you how to use a pump to dispense pain medication to yourself. If you continue to experience severe pain, tell your nurse immediately.

The combination of anesthetic, pain medication and unfamiliar surroundings affects every patient differently. You and your family may even notice some behavioral changes, including confusion, especially during the hours immediately following the surgery. These symptoms are temporary and should dissipate relatively quickly. If they do occur, please discuss your concerns with your nurse.

Once an hour (while you're awake), you'll be prompted to use the incentive spirometer next to your bed. The spirometer is a special machine designed to help you keep your lungs free of fluid after surgery through focused, regular deep breathing. Your nurse will also remind you to pump your ankles every hour or so when you're awake. You may receive oxygen overnight.

You'll remain in bed the whole day, sitting up with your nurse's assistance only on the night following your surgery (depending on what time you returned to your room). Your nursing team will regularly turn you and provide skin care - be sure to tell them if you experience any tender or burning areas.

You may start your home medications as soon as you can tolerate liquids. Although your diet may be initially limited, the range of foods available to you will rapidly increase as your appetite returns. Medications will help reduce any nausea you may experience.

Next: Hospital Stay

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