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Immediately after procedure, go home. There is no errand that is important enough to warrant
you endangering you health and well being.
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You will be permitted to get up for meals, and to go to the bathroom as needed, but do not put any
weight on the foot that was operated on. Remain with no weight on the foot were surgery was preformed
until informed otherwise by Dr. Corrigan. Wear your surgical shoe or CAM walker at all times even in bed
until told it is OK to remove the device.
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Be careful with the foot and the dressing were the surgery was preformed, Above all do not get the dressing
dirty or wet, this can lead to extremely serious infections.
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You have been given prescriptions to minimize discomfort. Have it filled as soon as possible.
Start taking the medication as soon as your feel any discomfort in the foot as the anesthesia begins to
wear off. Instructions are printed on the medication read and follow them carefully, over use of
narcotics or under use of antibiotics can lead to serious complications.
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ICE is a very important to control swelling and therefore control pain and speed up healing.
Place a bag of frozen vegetables in a thin towel and place it on your foot, if it becomes to cold or
painful remove it and retry in 15 minutes. You should have the cold pack on your ankle at least
15 minutes out of each hour for the first few days, except when sleeping. Do not use cold water bottles
as they can leak and wet the dressing and do not put cold directly on exposed skin or on the incision.
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Elevate you’re the surgical foot 6 inches above your hip, a few pillows under the heel in a recliner
should be fine. Do not let the foot hang down while seated and keep standing to a minimum until told
differently by Dr. Corrigan.
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Check your temperature before meals, if it climbs above 101.0?F, Call Me or have me paged.
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Do not smoke after surgery as it will slow the healing process, also remember if you smoke while taking
narcotics you put yourself in danger of starting a fire.
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If you follow there instructions, you should have no problems.
If you have any questions or have any complications please feel free to contact me by phones
440-871-3400 or 216 861-8655.
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The first 72 hours are the worst, just relax and remember you are now on the road to recovery and the pain
will reduce as the days progress.
Additional Information:
A surgical procedure has just been preformed on your foot.
The amount of pain and swelling will vary from one patient to the other, and may be made worse be swelling and physical activity.
In many cases the foot may become “black and blue” or discolored
this is normal.
Puffiness of the foot
is also a normal reaction of your body to surgery.The usual swelling period lasts a few weeks and may happen sporadically for
2-6 months. Generally
speaking, this
is not an exciting time, but if you follow all the above instructions things will
resolve quickly and completely. Thank
You and have a great day!
Sincerely,
Dr. Tom Corrigan.
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