Post Operation Guide

Make sure you're prepared. This guide will give a clear walkthrough of things to expect AFTER surgery.

Conditions that should be reported to Dr. Graves, his nurse or physician on call:

  • Difficullty breathing
  • Persistent fever over 102 degrees that is not responding to Tylenol or pain medicatio
  • Active bleeding or persistent oozing from surgery site
  • More than two episodes of vomiting
  • Pain that is not responding to pain medication
  • Inability to urinate at least 1 time in 24 hours/ or at least 1 time during a 12 hour period of being awake
  • Excessive swelling or rash- if this occurs, stop medication and give appropriate dosage of Benadryl. Notify our office of reaction.

Post-Surgical Diet

  • Clear Liquids- Your child should have clear liquids after surgery and slowly advance to soft foods for the first week. Resume normal diet after one week if tolerated. 
  • Avoid Citrus/Spicy Foods- Your child should not have any spicy foods, citrus or crunchy, hard foods. 
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Do not use straws to drink fluids from.
  • Avoid foods or drinks with red dye such as cherry gelatin.

Physical Restrictions

  • Gently blow nose.
  • Open mouth when sneezing.
  • No traveling out of town for 10-14 days
  • No daycare or school for at least 7-10 days
  • No Motrin, Aspirin, Advil, Aleve or any other anti-inflammatories for 2 weeks after surgery as these could cause excessive bleeding.

Activity

  • Your child should be a in a quiet place and have quiet play time for 1 week following surgery.
  • No strenuous activity such as bike riding, skate-boarding or gym for 2 weeks after surgery.

Pain Medication

  • Do not give pain medication on an empty stomach. Your child should have yogurt or soft food prior to taking pain medication.
  • Use either Tylenol or Lortab. Do not use both together. Wait at least 4 hours in between giving medications.
  • Do not send child to school while on pain medication.

Follow-up appointment

  • You should have an appointment scheduled to follow-up with Dr. Graves 3-4 weeks following surgery. If you do not have a follow-up appointment, please call to schedule. This is very important to check your child's post-surgical healing.