What to expect during recovery, how to care for your wound, and when to call your doctor.
Drowsiness or grogginess for 24 hours
Mild-moderate pain around the wound
Nausea or vomiting once or twice
Sore throat (if breathing tube was used)
Swelling and bruising near the wound
Mild temperature up to 38°C in first 24 hours
Feeling more tired than usual for a few days
Slight oozing from the wound (small amount)
Heavy bleeding soaking through dressings
Pain getting worse after day 2-3, not better
Fever >38.5°C or chills after 24 hours
Wound becoming red, hot, swollen, or smelly
Pus or cloudy discharge from wound
Unable to keep fluids down for >12 hours
Calf pain, swelling, or redness
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Take painkillers regularly for the first 2-3 days — don't wait until the pain is severe. Staying ahead of the pain is easier than chasing it.
Typical post-op pain relief:
Ice packs can help reduce swelling — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Wrap in a cloth, not directly on skin. Most useful in the first 48 hours.
Constipation is common after surgery (anaesthetic + opioid painkillers + reduced movement). Drink plenty of water, eat fibre, and take a gentle laxative (e.g. Movicol or Coloxyl) if you haven't opened your bowels within 2 days of surgery.
| Activity | General guide |
|---|---|
| Shower | 24-48 hours. No baths/pools for 2-4 weeks. |
| Drive | Not for 24 hours after any anaesthetic. Then when pain-free, off opioids, and can emergency stop. Usually 1-6 weeks. |
| Return to work | Desk job: 1-2 weeks. Physical job: 2-6 weeks. Your surgeon will advise. You may need a medical certificate. |
| Exercise | Walking is encouraged from day 1 (prevents blood clots). No heavy lifting, gym, or strenuous exercise for 2-6 weeks. |
| Lift heavy objects | Nothing heavier than a kettle for 2 weeks. Nothing heavier than 5kg for 4-6 weeks (abdominal surgery). |
| Drink alcohol | Avoid for at least 24-48 hours (interacts with anaesthetic and painkillers). Avoid while taking opioids. |
| Sexual activity | When comfortable. Typically 1-2 weeks for minor surgery, 4-6 weeks for abdominal/pelvic surgery. |
| Fly | Usually 1-2 weeks for minor surgery. Longer for chest or abdominal surgery. Check with your surgeon — risk of DVT increases with flying after surgery. |
These are general guides only. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions — they know your procedure and your body.
Surgery increases your risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis / DVT), especially in the legs. To reduce your risk:
First 24 hours: Start with clear fluids (water, broth, diluted juice). If tolerated, move to light foods (toast, crackers, soup).
After 24 hours: Eat normally as tolerated. Focus on protein (eggs, chicken, fish, legumes) to help healing, fibre to prevent constipation, and fluids (aim for 2 litres/day).
Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods for the first few days if feeling nauseous. If you had abdominal surgery, your surgeon may have specific dietary instructions — follow those.
Before you leave hospital, confirm:
1. Suture removal — when and where (GP or surgeon). Book the appointment now while you remember.
2. Surgeon follow-up — usually 1-2 weeks after surgery to check the wound and discuss pathology results (if tissue was sent).
3. GP visit — your GP will usually receive a discharge summary. Book a visit within 1-2 weeks if you have ongoing medications to manage, need a medical certificate for work, or have questions about your recovery.
4. Pathology results — if tissue was removed and sent for testing, ask when and how you will get results. Do not assume no news is good news — always follow up.
General anaesthetic affects everyone differently. For the first 24 hours:
— You may feel drowsy, confused, or emotional — this is normal and temporary
— Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions
— Do not drink alcohol
— Do not sign legal documents
— Have a responsible adult stay with you overnight
— Sore throat is common (from the breathing tube) — usually resolves in 1-2 days
— Shivering after surgery is common and not dangerous
Most people feel back to normal within 24-48 hours. Some people feel tired for up to a week.
If you went home the same day:
— Someone must drive you home and stay with you for the first night
— Rest for the remainder of the day
— Start painkillers before the local anaesthetic wears off (you will be told when)
— Keep your discharge sheet somewhere visible — it has your surgeon's after-hours contact number
— If you feel unwell overnight and are unsure, call the hospital or your surgeon's rooms — they expect post-op calls