Post-Op Instructions about Nausea/Vomiting and Bleeding

Dear Patient,
We hope you’re recovering well after your surgery. We wanted to send this information as a reminder to help manage these specific issues as you heal:

1. Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting:
   • It’s normal to feel a little nauseous after surgery, especially if you received anesthesia. If you’re experiencing nausea, try the following:
     • Sip clear liquids slowly (water, broth, or clear juice).
     • Eat small, light meals like crackers, toast, or plain rice when you feel ready.
     • Avoid strong smells or heavy, greasy foods that could worsen nausea.
     • If nausea persists or worsens, please call your surgeon so we can provide additional medications to help.
2. Bleeding:
   • Some mild bleeding or spotting is normal after surgery, but please monitor for any changes:
     • If you have a dressing and notice heavy bleeding (such as soaking through a bandage in an hour or less), apply gentle pressure to the area and call your surgeon immediately.
     • If you don’t have a dressing but experience continuous bleeding or bright red blood, please apply gentle pressure, elevate the affected extremity if possible, and contact your surgeon for further instructions.
     • If the surgical site is bleeding lightly, it should stop with rest. You can apply a clean dressing if needed to absorb any light spotting.
3. When to Go to the Emergency Room:
   • If you experience any of the following, go to the nearest emergency room immediately:
     • Heavy or uncontrollable bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure.
     • Severe pain that is not relieved by prescribed medications.
     • Signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus coming from the surgical site.
     • Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
     • Extreme dizziness, fainting, or confusion.

If you have any other concerns or if you’re unsure about your symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your surgeon for further guidance. It’s important to stay in touch, especially if you experience any worsening symptoms.

Wishing you a smooth recovery!
Best regards,
Summit Medical Center Team