Wrist Fracture - Post Op
POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
You will have a follow up with Dr. Lovy in approximately 2 weeks. This appointment has already been scheduled for you. If you are uncertain of your follow up appointment please contact the office at 561-922-9112. You should also schedule your occupation therapy to begin at 2 or 6 weeks post surgery as directed.
If you have any questions or concerns before this appointment, please do not hesitate to call Dr. Lovy’s office at 561-922-9112.
– Keep the dressing clean, dry and intact. Your dressing should remain in place until your follow up appointment in 2 weeks
– Your sutures will be removed at your 2 week postoperative follow up appointment
– Your dressing must remain dry at all times and should be covered when showering
– Keep the hand elevated as much as possible, this will minimize swelling and help reduce post operative pain
– You may use ice intermittently as well to diminish swelling
– Move your thumb/wrist/fingers 10 times every hour when awake. It is critical that you FULLY straighten and FULLY bend your fingers into a TIGHT FIST every hour when awake to prevent stiffness and reduce finger swelling.
– You may view this video for additional finger exercises:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcPD6BB5TKE
– Do not push, pull, or grasp anything heavy with your operative hand. You may use your operative for light activities as tolerated.
– Limit weight lifting to approximately a half gallon of milk (5 pounds) for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
POSTOPERATIVE PAIN CONTROL
– During surgery you have received a regional (at the shoulder) anesthetic block. Your sensation should return to normal within approximately 12 – 24 hours. Do not be alarmed if your anesthetic block lasts longer, everyone has slightly different responses to the anesthetic used.
– You should begin taking Acetaminophen (Tylenol) AND Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) on a schedule before your nerve block wears off and before you experience pain
– Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 1000 mg every 6 hours should be used as your primary pain control. Do not exceed 4000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24 hour period.
– Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) 600 mg every 6 hours should be added as a secondary method of pain control to acetaminophen as directed above.
– You can also take 500mg of Vitamin C daily for the next 50 days. This will also help with your postoperative pain control.
– It is best to take pain medication before your pain begins. This will allow you to take less medication yet have better pain relief.
– For the first 2-3 days after surgery, it is helpful to take your pain medication on a regular schedule and keep pain under control.
– After the first couple days, you should begin to take less pain medication each day until you no longer need any.
NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATIONS
– If prescribed, use narcotic medication sparingly. If a narcotic pain medication is prescribed it can cause numerous side effects including nausea, constipation, sedation and confusion.
– Narcotics should be used judiciously as they can have serious adverse effects
– Narcotic medication should only be taken for breakthrough pain not controlled by acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Narcotic pain medication should NOT be taken as a first line method of pain control.
– Do not operate machinery while on narcotics.
– Do not take narcotic pain medication on an empty stomach; this may lead to nausea and vomiting.
– Abstain from alcohol while taking narcotic pain medication.
– Should not drive, operate heavy machinery, ride motorcycles or ATVs or take other drugs that make you tired or sleepy while taking narcotic pain medication.
– Do not participate in dangerous activity while taking narcotic pain medication, as it can decrease your ability to make safe decisions
– May cause constipation requiring a stool softener while narcotic pain medication is being used.