Vascular Solutions

LOWER LEG BYPASS 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 two weeks after the surgery. It is normal to have troubles with your sleep habits , appetite, and bowel movements. These all improve with time. Walking (including stairs) is the best way to begin feeling like yourself. Sexual activity may resume when you feel ready, usually one month. You may return to work as soon as you feel ready, usually about three to four weeks from the time of surgery.

INCISIONAL CARE

Shower daily. Wash your incisions with warm soapy water.. If steri strips are on leave them alone until they start to peel off then gently remove them. The skin around the incision will be numb; this is normal. If you notice any redness or drainage from the incision please call our office. If there are staples or sutures present when you go home they will be removed at the first post op office visit.

PRECAUTIONS

Avoid heavy exertion early as this can disrupt the incision.

If you develop severe unilateral leg pain or swelling please call our office. However, it is very common to have mild leg swelling after the surgery since the leg is now getting more blood.

Remember- All things in moderation and Healing takes time

Smoking accelerates the development of atherosclerosis and must be stopped.

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.

Pain pills are constipating which is why we stress fruits as well as regular activity.

FOLLOW UP

Please see your surgeon two weeks after the operation.

Vascular disease is progressive. Regular office visits are important to monitor the repaired artery or bypass as well as check for signs of vascular problems in other regions. Yearly follow up vascular testing is an integral part of your care. Please keep all scheduled office visits as well as scheduled testing. Remember to stop smoking, watch your diet and take all medications as prescribed. PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS!

While using this site, you agree to have read and accepted our terms of use.

36001 Euclid Ave, Willoughby, Ohio, 44094

Web Site by Mark Goldberg, MD

Copyright: © 2006 vascular solutions and Mark Goldberg