VASCULAR SOLUTIONS - Vascular and Endovascular Surgeons Treating Peripheral Vascular Disease in Cleveland, Ohio | ||||||||
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CAROTID ENDARECTOMY - POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS ACTIVITIES You will feel tired for the first four to six weeks. Gradually increase your daily activities. Walking a half - hour per day is the best way to start your recovery. Driving can begin when your neck discomfort is minimal and you have stopped taking prescribed post -operative pain pills. Smoking accelerates the development of atherosclerosis and must be stopped. INCISIONAL CARE Shower daily. Wash the neck with warm soapy water. Leave the steri strips alone until they start to peel off then gently remove them. The skin around the incision will be numb, this is normal. Be careful shaving, you may want to use an electric razor for a while. It is normal for the neck to be stiff, daily neck stretching will reduce this sensation of a stiff neck. PRECAUTIONS Be alert to any symptoms of blurred vision, arm weakness, leg weakness, or slurred speech. If any of these occur please call the doctor. Drainage from the wound is abnormal and the doctor should be called. Nausea and vomiting are unusual but pain medication can cause an upset stomach as well as constipation. MEDICATIONS Please continue with all your regular medications you were taking before surgery. Additionally, you will be started on one baby aspirin/day (81 mg.) The aspirin works as an anti-platelet agent and is a general panacea for all arterial problems. Your regular doctor will address any new medications necessary to treat blood pressure problems or high cholesterol. DIET Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as your regular diet. FOLLOW UP Please see your surgeon four weeks after the operation. Vascular disease is progressive. Regular office visits are important to monitor the repaired artery as well as check disease progression of the other carotid. Yearly follow up testing (carotid ultrasound) is an integral part of your care. Please keep all scheduled office visits as well as scheduled testing. | ||
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