Patient Instructions:  Thoracic Outlet Release

WOUND CARE

You may shower 48 hours after your surgery. Let soap and water run over the incision. Pat it dry.

DO NOT scrub your incision.

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

Your incision may appear swollen for a week or more after surgery. It may feel firm as well. This is normal unless there is drainage from the incision.

ACTIVITY GUIDELINES

The restrictions on your activities should be followed for several weeks after your surgery. The length of time depends on the extent of surgery and your physician’s instructions.

DO NOT drive until after your next clinic appointment or until cleared by your physician.

DO NOT bend or lift anything heavier than 5 pounds (i.e. a thick phone book or jug of milk) with the effected arm.

Walk for exercise. You should be walking up to a mile a day by your clinic appointment 2-4 weeks after surgery. You may break it up over the course of the day, taking frequent rest breaks as needed.

Be patient with the healing process. Your symptoms may not improve immediately. In general, the longer you have had symptoms, the longer it takes for the symptoms to dissipate. Your symptoms should not get worse after surgery. If you have any questions about your symptoms, please contact us.

PAIN MEDICINE

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

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 drainage from your incision.

New or increased pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling of arms or neck.

Persistent or severe headache.

Calf tenderness and/or calf swelling.

Difficulty urinating, swallowing, or shortness of breath.

HELPFUL LINKS

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/thoracic_doc.htm

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic578.htm

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

You should have a follow up appointment scheduled in 10-14 days after your surgery. If you do not have an appointment or have questions about your appointment, please call 717-920-7664