Adrenal Cancer
What to Expect After Discharge from the Hospital
- Pain Control: You can expect to have some pain that may require pain medication for a few days after discharge; you will be given a prescription for pain medication (e.g. Vicodin, Percocet, etc). After a period of several days, pain is typically well controlled with Tylenol.
- Showering: You may shower at home. Your wound sites can get wet, but must be patted dry. Do not take tub baths or bathe/swim in pools for at least two weeks after surgery. You will have adhesive strips, called steri-strips across your incisions. These are not to be removed. In approximately 5-7 days these adhesive tapes will fall off on their own. The operation is typically performed with self-absorbing sutures that will dissolve in four to six weeks; no "stitches" need to be removed.
- Activity: Walking after surgery is extremely important. Prolonged sitting or lying in bed should be avoided. Climbing stairs is acceptable after surgery. Driving should be avoided for at least one week after surgery, and when you are not taking any prescription pain relievers. Absolutely no heavy lifting (greater than 20 pounds) should be performed for one week after the surgery. No exercising (jogging, swimming, treadmill, biking) for 4-6 weeks after surgery. You can expect to return to work when you feel able, in approximately two to four weeks.
- Follow-up Appointment: You will need to call the Institute at 516.734.8500 soon after your discharge to schedule a follow up visit for 5-7 days after your surgery date with your surgeon. During this appointment you will obtain a long term follow up plan from your surgeon.
