For Patients
Now that you’ve gone through the procedure, it’s important to know how to care for yourself. Follow this helpful patient information to ensure a healthy healing process post surgery.
Use the ice machine as directed or purchase several gel ice packs and apply with fabric next to the skin for 20 minutes every 60 to 90 minutes. Ice is most important during the first week, but should still be used 3 to 4 times a day for 6 to 8 weeks post surgery, especially after a lot of activity.
The initial hospital dressing stays on for the first 48 hours, then is replaced by a waterproof dressing. You can cover small arthroscopy portals with Nexcare™ bandaids; these resemble plastic wrap and keep water out of the wound. Cover larger wounds with Tegaderm™, available in most pharmacies. I usually use absorbable sutures and glue, so it is unlikely anything will need to be removed.
Post surgery, keep your foot up on a bed, sofa, or coffee table when resting if you just had knee surgery. For shoulder surgery, it is much more comfortable to stay relatively upright, which means sleeping on the couch, a recliner, or with a lot of pillows in bed.
You will be prescribed a prescription pain reliever. This most often contains Tylenol®, which should not be mixed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Please write down when you take your medication so you take it at regular intervals to keep your pain level at a minimum post surgery. Also, please call our office or email StricklandGomoll@HSS.edu when you are starting to get low on medication — narcotics are impossible to obtain on weekends.
The physical therapy instructions come from the physical therapist at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Start these exercises immediately so you get moving; this helps you avoid stiffness and hopefully a blood clot. A staff member from Dr. Strickland’s office will call you the day after surgery to answer any questions you may have and provide additional patient information.
Get the materials you need for your recovery. I use The Recovery Shop for all my ice machines and other equipment, including compression socks and waterproof bandages. That’s helpful to have available around the time of surgery (especially post surgery). These items are eligible for purchase using a Health Savings Account (HSA). We will discuss which items you’ll need at your visit prior to surgery.
Dr. Strickland’s team is here to help answer your questions and guide your next step.
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