General Post-Operative Orthopedic Instructions

  1. Do not drive a motor vehicle when taking pain medication.
  2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours following surgery or when taking pain medications.
  3. Do not sign any important document or make important decisions for 24 hours following surgery.
  4. If nausea occurs following surgery, limit diet to small amounts of clear liquids (tea, coke, sprite, apple juice, gatorade, lemonade). If nausea persists longer than 12 hours consult your physician.
  5. If you received a general anesthetic, you may have a slight sore throat. Remember to cough and take deep breaths every two hours for the first 12 hours after your surgery. If any breathing problems occur, seek help immediately.
  6. If general anesthesia is given, your diet should start with clear liquids increasing to light diet on day of surgery, then you may resume diet you normally eat the following day.
  7. Report any of the following to your physician if there is excessive:
    • bleeding or drainage
    • pain
    • swelling or redness
    • fever - 101 and above
  8. Do not operate equipment or perform activities such as operating machinery or driving a car for at least 48 to 72 hours following general anesthesia.