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After discharge from the hospital you may have questions or issues you wish to discuss with your surgeon or his or her staff. Telephone numbers for contacting your surgeon will be listed on your discharge instruction sheet. Please do not hesitate to call.
Keep in mind that because your surgeon has a busy operating schedule, he or she may not be available to speak with you during the day. However, his or her secretary will convey your message and get back to you with a response.
It is wise to take your temperature daily and notify the doctor if you develop a fever. You should also notify the doctor of any change in the amount or color of the phlegm you produce while coughing. You should also call if you notice a change in or difficulty with breathing.
Upon your return home, give your primary doctor a call to let him or her know that you are out of the hospital. You may inform your primary care doctor that your surgical information will be forwarded after your first follow-up visit.
You will have a follow-up visit 10-14 days after discharge. The Physician Assistant will make the appointment for you. Please bring your blue hospital card to the appointment. You should go to the Outpatient Radiology Department for a chest X-Ray before your appointment. The Department is located in the Ambulatory II building at 45 Francis Street. This is the building with the parking garage. If you need a blue hospital card, you can obtain one at the registration desk on the main floor of the Ambulatory II building.
You should wash the incision with soap and water during your daily bath or shower. Swelling around the incision is very common and it will go down with time. Please notifiy the doctor if there is any drainage from the incision. Some people complain of numbness around the incision as well as pain.
You should continue with deep breathing and coughing exercises when you return home. You should also continue to exercise your shoulder. You may be stiff and sore and this can last for several weeks to a month post-operatively.
There are several limitations to your activity following discharge. You should not drive a car while you are on pain medication. Refrain from lifting heavy objects, including children, until after your post-operative visit. Avoid any heavy pushing or pulling as well.
You should take a 15-minute walk daily. Over time, try to build up to a one-hour walk daily. The purpose of walking is to build your endurance and improve your function.
It is normal to feel somewhat tired for the first several weeks after discharge. Do not overexert yourself. Your body is recovering from surgery and it will take time to return to your normal routine.
You will be given prescriptions for pain and any other medications that you need. Most patients are given a prescription for Percoset or Tylenol #3 to control pain. If you feel that you need more pain medication after discharge, please call your doctor's office. Remember that pain medication works best if taken before the pain becomes too severe.
Any changes in this routine will be explained to you before discharge. Remember, we are only a phone call away and we welcome your calls.
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NOTICE: This email is not for medically related issues. Comments or concerns regarding patient-related care should be directed to the Thoracic Surgery Clinic at 617-732-6824.
©2009, Division of Thoracic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital. All rights reserved.
Division of Thoracic Surgery
Brigham and Women's Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115