Week 2
Post-Operative Instructions
Week Two – Four
You may continue to shower, but otherwise do not soak, bathe, or swim for one more week (i.e. for a total of two weeks following surgery). You do not have to continue cleaning your incision daily with alcohol unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Gerber/Lusk.
Walking and lying down will continue to be your most comfortable positions. Sitting or driving may now be extended to 45-50 minutes at a time.
You should now begin to slowly increase your walking program to about 1/2 mile twice a day. At the end of one month following surgery, 1 to 2 miles per day is fine. Remember that during the initial part of your walk you should expect to be “tight”, but as you continue you will “loosen up”. If as you walk further you begin to get uncomfortable again, this is your body letting you know that you have walked far enough!
Begin resting on your stomach for a couple of minutes several times every day. Toward the end of the month, you may raise up on your elbows. DO NOT arch higher than this during the first month. Continue gentle bending exercises as before.
At 4 to 6 weeks following surgery, your activity restrictions will be reduced. When you see Dr. Gerber/Lusk at your second scheduled appointment, further exercises and sports activities will be discussed!
