After Your Carotid Artery Surgery

WOUND CARE

You may shower 48 hours after your surgery. Let soap and water run over the incision. DO NOT scrub it. Pat it dry.

You may continue to shower after your staples or sutures (“stitches”) are removed.

If you have steri-strips (small tapes) over your incision, these will gradually begin to curl up and fall off, if they have not fallen off by 7 days they can be removed.

DO NOT submerge (tub bath or swim) your incision for 2 to 4 weeks.

ACTIVITY GUIDELINES

DO NOT lift anything greater than 10 pounds for 2 weeks or until return visit to office.

Exercise by taking short walks with frequent rest periods.

Avoid strenuous activity.

DO NOT drive a car until you are seen back in office or until cleared by your physician.

You may have some problems with swallowing and voice changes for the first few weeks. This is common and is due to temporary swelling of nerves near the surgery site in the neck.

SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR PHYSICIAN

Any signs and symptoms of infection such as fever of 101 degrees or higher, redness or swelling of incision, increased pain, or wound drainage.

Changes in mental function such as confusion, restlessness, or drowsiness.

New or increased weakness of the arms and/or legs.

Difficulty speaking or walking.

Persistent or severe headache.

Changes in your vision.

Calf tenderness and/or calf swelling.

PAIN MEDICINE

If you are given a prescription for pain medication, take the medication only when needed and only for as long as you need it.

Pain medications containing a narcotic can cause constipation, drowsiness, or lightheadedness.

To prevent constipation, you may increase your water intake and increase the amount of fruit and fiber in your diet. If these measures do not help and you become constipated, you may use an over-the-counter stool softener (such as Colace), or a mild laxative (such as Milk of Magnesia

Please note that many narcotic pain medications cannot be refilled over the telephone. If you need a refill on your pain medication, please contact your Family Physician first. If your Family Physician is unable to refill your prescription, you may call our office. This may require that you come to the office to pick up a prescription.

HELPFUL LINKS

Neurosurgery Patient Information

Carotid Endarterectomy

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you have any problems or questions call the office at 717-920-7664.

You may send an e-mail if you wish to info@pnni.org. Please specify which physician you are seeing

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT

If you need to schedule a follow-up appointment or have questions about your appointment, please call 717-920-7664