Frequently asked questions

What can I do to help myself?

The most frequent, although uncommon problems with surgery are infection and bleeding. Stay clear of anyone with infections, whether viral or bacterial; including close ones who have also been in possible contact with the same. Avoid taking substances which thin the blood, the worst culprits being Aspirin, alcohol, garlic (in large quantities), vitamin E, Chinese mushrooms and tomatoes!  The probable best time for avoidance is two weeks before and after surgery but this is not certain. In other words be nicely de-toxed and perhaps take some extra vitamin C.  Stopping smoking does not assist greatly unless it is for a long period, but use your admission as an excuse to do so anyway!  We recommend that you take Arnica and this is explained in your ‘Fact-Sheet’.

What is the pre-operative hospital routine?

When you arrive you report to reception and check in with the admissions office.  The nurses admit you and this is now a comprehensive interview. Your anaesthetist and I come to see you, explain everything and answer any questions.  A nurse walks you to theatre where I meet you again in the anaesthetic room, take photos, mark you out and answer any other questions.  Your anaesthetist then comes in and your procedure starts with a small injection in the back of your hand.  This is our routine “day in the office” but we realise that it can be frightening for you, so we do everything we can to put you at ease.

What happens after surgery?

When your operation is complete you are gently transferred to your own bed and the Recovery Ward where nurses make sure that you are comfortable before going back to your room.  I will see you after surgery and you will feel a lot better the next morning as the anaesthetic wears off.  I will see you again.  (If you stay longer I will see you every day) and tell you what to expect and give you your post-operative instructions before you go home.  You will have a week’s antibiotics to take with you and analgesics as required.

What is the post-operative care?

You will receive a post-operative instruction sheet and the Hospital and I are available at all times. Your follow-up care has no limits or further consultation fees.  When I see you before you leave hospital we discuss your first follow-up appointment and you phone my office so you can choose a day and time to suit.  The Hospitals give a full and unconditional guarantee for one year but after this further charges may be incurred, so it is important to keep your appointments or at least phone us so we know all is well.

What can I do when I get home?

The most important post-operative message is to be very careful for the first week (at least), problems can occur if you do not rest properly and allow things to heal up both inside and out.  You can do a little more as each week goes by and usually one or two weeks is sufficient time to have off work, depending on the procedure.

What about Aspirin, alcohol etc?

Stopping alcohol and aspirin for two weeks before and after surgery is a good general rule, you will probably be OK with less but wait if you can! Don't forget garlic,vitamin E, chinese mushrooms and tomatoes in excess can also thin the blood.  If you take alternative medicines it is probably safest to stop these for a week or two as we can never be sure of the effect they may have on blood clotting.

When can I go back to work?

This varies with your occupation, but you should have at least two weeks clear of major commitments.  If you do very physical work you may need to add a week or two, depending on the procedure.  The average period before returning to sports and dancing is four to six weeks and even then, go gently at first and always listen to your body.

When am I back to normal?

Most say they are back to normal at six weeks, but don’t forget, healing progresses slowly for many months and sometimes years.  The benefits may well be obvious immediately, but you must be very patient for the final result. Swelling and scars are the usual worries and these vary with procedure; and at the consultation you will receive a full description of what to expect.