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After your operation, you will need to take deep breaths and cough several times each hour to keep your lungs fully expanded. By deep breathing and coughing, you will help speed your recovery and reduce the risk of developing breathing problems. To help you with deep breathing and coughing exercises, your doctor may order an incentive spirometer. This special tool will help you cough and deep breathe better. It will also let you and your nurse know how deeply you are breathing. A respiratory therapist or nurse will show you how to use the incentive spirometer.
To deep breathe correctly, practice the following exercises two or three times a day before surgery. That way, you will be able to do it more easily after surgery.
If you are having abdominal surgery, you may be more comfortable if you hold a small pillow over your incision. Lace your fingers together across the pillow to hold it in place. Then do the deep breathing exercise, as described.
Note: This exercise may be done while lying on your side, sitting, standing, or as you are turning in bed. It should be doneAfter your surgery, the nurse will remind you to do coughing exercises. Coughing helps keep your lungs free of mucus.
You should practice coughing before your surgery, so you can do it easily afterwards.
Good oral (mouth) care is important for many reasons. Besides helping to prevent dental problems, good mouth care can help lower your risk of certain infections such as pneumonia (lung infection). Your health-care team will tell you about mouth care based on your specific needs. This may include use of a toothbrush (please bring a new toothbrush with you to the hospital), toothpaste, and/or salt and soda rinses. You will also be told how often you should do mouth care. It is also very important to take proper care of dentures. Please remember your denture supplies.
If anything in these information sheets is unclear to you, please ask you nurse or therapist for help.
Getting up and moving around about as soon as possible while in the hospital can help lower your risk of developing problems, such as soreness, weakness, getting tired easily, and swelling. Walking and other physical activity have been shown to help prevent serious problems, including pneumonia (lung infection) and blood clots. Your health-care team is committed to helping you get up and move as soon as possible. They will tell you when you will be getting up for the first time, how often you will need to get up, and for how long you need to stay up. If you are having difficulty moving, feel unsteady, or have questions about exercising, ask your doctor for a referral to physical therapy.
Start with your hands on your thighs. Lift your arms up and back down slowly and in a controlled manner. Breathe in while raising your arms, and breathe out while letting them down. Do this 10 times in a row, five times a day.
Perform the following exercises:
1. Push the toes of both feet toward the foot of the bed. Relax both feet.
2. Point toes toward the chin. Relax both feet.
3. Circle both ankles, first to the right, then to the left. Repeat three times. Relax.
4. Sit in a chair for good posture. Without slouching, straighten your leg in front of you and point toes up to the ceiling.
Return to a resting position. Do one leg at a time. Repeat 10 times on each side. Do 3-4 times a day.
In addition to leg exercises, compression sleeves that go from the ankle to below the knee will be applied before going to the operating room. These help to maintain adequate circulation during and after surgery.
Unless your doctor orders positioning restrictions based on your particular operation, you will be encouraged to keep the head of the bed up at all times while you are resting in bed. This makes it easier to clear things out of your throat.
Good pain control is important for many reasons, including helping you to get up and move around. Pain control options include different medications. Your health-care team will work with you to develop a plan to meet your needs. If your pain is not under control, please tell your nurse.
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If you have more questions, call your surgeon or the Pre-Admission Testing Office at 215-728-2566.