GENERAL POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
ACTIVITY AND HEAVY LIFTING
• There are no restrictions on walking. Avoid contact sports, gym, body-building and swimming for 4 weeks. Some operations will have longer restrictions.
• No heavy lifting (> 5kg) for 4 weeks. Some procedures may have longer restrictions.
SHOWERING
• There are no restrictions for showering but bathing is not recommended. Dressings should be kept intact for at least 5 days. If becomes wet, dry the wound and replace the dressing.
DRIVING
• No driving for 2 weeks post discharge and avoid driving while on strong pain-killers including but not limited to endone, oxycontin, tramadol, targin and panadeine forte.
RETURN TO WORK
• You will be given a medical certificate for 2 weeks off work and 4 weeks of light duties only. Some operations require longer duration off work, and minor surgery may require less time off work. For colonoscopies, patients generally will need the day prior to the colonoscopy off work to bowel prep and the day of the procedure.
DIET
• A soft, easy to digest diet is recommended for the first 2 weeks, then may resume a normal diet. Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy well-balanced diet.
MEDICATIONS
• Medications commonly prescribed include antibiotics, aperients and analgesia. Pain killers may cause constipation so it is important to drink lots of fluid and have a high fibre diet. Patients may take movicol or lactulose if constipated post-operatively.
WHEN TO CONTACT US?  
• Fever, pain, nausea/vomiting, wound infection or breakdown, unable to open bowels and any concerns.
This material is general information only and should not replace medical advice or instructions given by the health professional. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents provided on this information fact sheet.
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