Post-Surgery Recovery & Care Guide

1. Surgical Wound & Dressing Care

Keeping your incision clean, dry, and infection-free

Stitch Removal: Day 12–15

What You Should Do

Keep the Dressing Dry: Do not wet the surgical dressing while bathing until stitches or staples are removed and Dr. Sandhu confirms the incision is sealed.
Use Sponge Baths or Waterproof Cling Wrap: Even with a waterproof dressing, avoid direct shower spray over the operated area.
Scheduled Dressing Changes Only: Have dressings changed under sterile conditions at the hospital or as directed in your discharge card.

What to Strictly Avoid

Do Not Apply Creams, Oils, or Turmeric/Haldi: Never apply home remedies, ointments, or powders on a healing surgical scar.
Do Not Peel Scabs or Surgical Glue: Let skin edges heal naturally to prevent wound opening or infection.

2. Swelling Control, Medications & Clot Prevention

Managing normal post-op warmth and protecting circulation

Controlling Swelling & Pain

Elevate the Limb on Pillows: For leg surgeries, place 1–2 pillows lengthwise under your calf and ankle (not rolled directly behind the knee after knee replacement, so the knee stays straight).
Ice Pack Therapy: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a clean dry cloth for 15–20 minutes, 3 to 4 times daily (especially after physiotherapy). Ensure condensation does not wet the bandage.
Take Medications on Time: Take prescribed pain relievers, antibiotics, and gastric protection exactly on schedule rather than waiting for pain to build up.

Preventing Blood Clots (DVT)

Hourly Ankle Pumps: Move both ankles up and down 20 times every waking hour to keep blood moving through the calf veins.
Blood Thinners: If prescribed an oral blood thinner or injection after knee/hip replacement or fracture surgery, never skip a dose.
Frequent Short Walks: Walk indoors with your walker or crutches every 1–2 hours during the day rather than lying in bed continuously.

3. Safe Sleeping, Sitting & Bathroom Rules

Protecting your new joint or repaired bone during daily life

After Knee Surgery

Keep the Knee Straight When Resting

Do not sleep with a pillow propped right behind the bend of your knee—support the heel and calf instead so you regain full straight extension.

After Hip Replacement

90-Degree Hip Precautions

Avoid bending the hip past 90 degrees, avoid crossing your legs at the knees or ankles, and sleep with a pillow between your knees when turning on your side.

Bathroom Safety

Western Toilet & Anti-Skid Mat

Always use a Western commode (with a raised toilet seat if advised), install grab bars by the toilet/shower, and keep bathroom floors completely dry.

Stair Climbing Rule

"Up with the Good, Down with the Bad"

When going upstairs, step up with your non-operated leg first. When coming downstairs, place your walker/crutch and operated leg down first.

Post-Surgery Red Flags: Contact Us Immediately If You Notice

Fever or Chills: Persistent fever above 101°F (38.3°C).
Wound Drainage: Yellow/pus discharge, foul odor, increasing redness spreading around the incision, or the dressing soaking through with fresh blood.
Calf Pain or Sudden Breathlessness: Severe tightness, redness, or swelling in the calf that does not reduce with elevation, or sudden chest pain / shortness of breath.
Numbness or Loss of Toe/Finger Movement: New tingling, pale/bluish toes or fingers, or inability to move the foot/hand.

Post-Surgery Recovery & Home Care