Dr. Foster uses multimodal pain control, an approach that uses a combination of different medications to target various pain pathways. 

Its purpose is to enhance pain relief while minimizing opioid use and associated side effects, promoting faster recovery and improved patient outcomes.

Pain will not be "zero" while you are recovering, but Dr. Foster's approach will help keep it tolerable while keeping you functional and active.

Your regimen will likely include a combination of scheduled anti-inflammatory medication (e.g., Tylenol, Advil), scheduled or as needed muscle relaxers (e.g., Robaxin, Valium), and as needed narcotics (e.g., oxycodone or Percocet)

In general, wounds should be kept clean and dry. Regular showering can begin the day after surgery.

Steri Strips: These small bandage strips will be attached with semi-permenant glue and will begin to flake off in the shower in 1-2 weeks. Pat dry when done showering.

Glue: This glue will begin to flake off in the shower in 1-2 weeks, but please refrain from peeling early on. Pat dry when done showering.

Staples or sutures: Staples or sutures may be covered or uncovered as well as they can remain clean. Pat dry when done showering.

Scars take up to a year to mature and are most effected by clean, uninterrupted wound healing (i.e., no infections) and sun exposure.

SPF and clothing coverage during any sun expousure will improve the appearance of scars. Vitamin E oils and silicone sheets may help as well. Please wait for at least 2 weeks to apply these.

Please do not lift 10lbs for at least 2 weeks. You may have longer lifting restrictions, ranging from 20-50lbs for an additioal 4 weeks (total 6 weeks).

Please do no drink or drive if you are using narcotics, muscle relaxers, or other prescribed pain medications.

Do not soak for at least 2 weeks or until all sutures/staples are removed.

Pain medication, anesthesia, and being less mobile will all make you constipated.

In general, increasing your fiber and water intake together will improve your bowel habits.

While you are using narcotics, Dr. Foster recommends you use at least one of the following daily: 

• Senna or Senna Plus
• Colace

You may also need the following as needed, or in some cases daily:

• MiraLax
• Milk of Magnesia
• Magnesium Citrate

No bowel regimen will work the same for different people. 

Anesthesia often temporarily affects a person's GI tract, however most people are able to return to their pre-surgery diet within 2-6 weeks.

In general, increasing fiber and water intake is good for gut health.

You should discuss any specific changes before you leave the hospital and in your first post-operative visist.

Return to work varies greatly by patient and by surgery. Please refer to the "General Restrictions" section.

Dr. Foster's goals are to help you return to work as soon as reasonably possible.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

Please visit our "Contact FPS" page and call for fevers, inability to tolerate food or water, new or severely wrosening pain, or wound redness, swelling, or discharge.