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💊

After Surgery

What to Expect After Your Procedure

Thank you for entrusting Dr. Josiah Valk and his team with your surgical care. The following information outlines what to expect following your procedure and how to manage your recovery safely and effectively. Please review these instructions closely.

💉 Anesthesia

If you received a nerve block during surgery, it’s common to experience numbness or weakness in the affected limb for up to 8–36 hours. This is normal. If numbness lasts beyond 36 hours, please call our office.

 

As sensation returns, you may feel tingling or “pins and needles.” Begin taking your prescribed pain medication at this time to stay ahead of any discomfort.

💊 Medications

You may be prescribed a combination of medications for pain, inflammation, nausea, or blood clot prevention. Here's what to expect:

 

  • Narcotic Pain Medication (e.g., Norco, Percocet): Use as prescribed to manage pain. Expect drowsiness, constipation, and possible nausea. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking these medications.
  • Stool Softener (Colace or Senna): We recommend starting this with your narcotic pain medication to prevent constipation.
  • NSAIDs (e.g., Naproxen, Mobic): Used for inflammation and pain. Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
  • Anti-nausea Medication (e.g., Zofran): Use if you feel queasy after anesthesia or pain medication.
  • Blood Thinners (e.g., Aspirin, Xarelto): These may be prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots depending on your procedure and health history.

 

Refill Policy: Narcotic refills are considered case-by-case and cannot be guaranteed. Please do not wait until you are out of medication to contact the office.

🩹 Wound Care

  • Remove the outer bandage 48–72 hours after surgery. Do not remove Steri-Strips (white tape) over your incision.
  • Keep the incision clean and dry until your follow-up appointment (typically 10–14 days).
  • You may shower after 3 days but avoid soaking, baths, or pools until cleared by Dr. Valk.
  • If you remove your sling or brace to shower, ensure stability and safety — we recommend using a shower chair if needed.

🍲 Diet

Start with clear fluids and light foods. Avoid greasy or spicy meals for the first 24 hours. Hydration will help prevent constipation and promote healing.

🦾 Bracing & Physical Therapy

  • If you were given a sling, brace, or crutches, use them as instructed — typically for up to 6 weeks, depending on your surgery.
  • Physical therapy is critical for full recovery. Attend all sessions and follow your home exercise program to restore motion and strength.
  • Ice therapy is recommended 2–3 times daily for 20–30 minutes. Always place a barrier (e.g., towel or shirt) between the ice and your skin.

🚗 Driving & Travel

You may not drive while taking narcotic pain medication. Most patients are cleared to drive 4–6 weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure.

 

Avoid flights or long travel during the first 6 weeks unless previously approved. If travel is necessary, contact our office for blood clot prevention guidance.

🧑‍💻 Returning to Work or School

  • Return-to-work timing varies by procedure and job type. For desk jobs, many patients return within 3–7 days if off narcotic medications. Physically demanding jobs may require 6 weeks to 4+ months depending on the procedure.
  • If needed, our office can provide work or school clearance letters.

⚠️ Normal Post-Op Sensations

These are common and usually not a cause for concern:

    • Mild pain or discomfort
    • Warmth or bruising around the incision
    • Redness at suture entry points
    • Numbness or tingling near the incision
    • Low-grade fevers (<101.5°F) in the first week

📅 Follow-Up

  • A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled 10–14 days after surgery. If you haven’t received an appointment, please call our office.

📝 Prescription Policies

  • Requests are handled Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
  • Allow up to 48 hours for refill requests
  • No refills will be given on weekends or holidays
  • Narcotics are not routinely refilled due to safety and regulatory guidelines

🚨 When to Call the Office Immediately

While most recoveries are smooth, please contact us if you experience:

    • Fever over 101.5°F or chills
    • Redness or foul-smelling drainage from the incision
    • Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat
    • Calf swelling, tenderness, or pain (possible blood clot)
    • Persistent nausea, vomiting, or urinary retention

Dr. Josiah Valk, D.O.

Book Appointment

💊 After Surgery

What to Expect After Your Procedure

Thank you for entrusting Dr. Josiah Valk and his team with your surgical care. The following information outlines what to expect following your procedure and how to manage your recovery safely and effectively. Please review these instructions closely.

💉 Anesthesia

If you received a nerve block during surgery, it’s common to experience numbness or weakness in the affected limb for up to 8–36 hours. This is normal. If numbness lasts beyond 36 hours, please call our office.

 

As sensation returns, you may feel tingling or “pins and needles.” Begin taking your prescribed pain medication at this time to stay ahead of any discomfort.

💊 Medications

You may be prescribed a combination of medications for pain, inflammation, nausea, or blood clot prevention. Here's what to expect:

 

  • Narcotic Pain Medication (e.g., Norco, Percocet): Use as prescribed to manage pain. Expect drowsiness, constipation, and possible nausea. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking these medications.
  • Stool Softener (Colace or Senna): We recommend starting this with your narcotic pain medication to prevent constipation.
  • NSAIDs (e.g., Naproxen, Mobic): Used for inflammation and pain. Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
  • Anti-nausea Medication (e.g., Zofran): Use if you feel queasy after anesthesia or pain medication.
  • Blood Thinners (e.g., Aspirin, Xarelto): These may be prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots depending on your procedure and health history.

 

Refill Policy: Narcotic refills are considered case-by-case and cannot be guaranteed. Please do not wait until you are out of medication to contact the office.

🩹 Wound Care

  • Remove the outer bandage 48–72 hours after surgery. Do not remove Steri-Strips (white tape) over your incision.
  • Keep the incision clean and dry until your follow-up appointment (typically 10–14 days).
  • You may shower after 3 days but avoid soaking, baths, or pools until cleared by Dr. Valk.
  • If you remove your sling or brace to shower, ensure stability and safety — we recommend using a shower chair if needed.

🍲 Diet

Start with clear fluids and light foods. Avoid greasy or spicy meals for the first 24 hours. Hydration will help prevent constipation and promote healing.

🦾 Bracing & Physical Therapy

  • If you were given a sling, brace, or crutches, use them as instructed — typically for up to 6 weeks, depending on your surgery.
  • Physical therapy is critical for full recovery. Attend all sessions and follow your home exercise program to restore motion and strength.
  • Ice therapy is recommended 2–3 times daily for 20–30 minutes. Always place a barrier (e.g., towel or shirt) between the ice and your skin.

🚗 Driving & Travel

You may not drive while taking narcotic pain medication. Most patients are cleared to drive 4–6 weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure.

 

Avoid flights or long travel during the first 6 weeks unless previously approved. If travel is necessary, contact our office for blood clot prevention guidance.

🧑‍💻 Returning to Work or School

  • Return-to-work timing varies by procedure and job type. For desk jobs, many patients return within 3–7 days if off narcotic medications. Physically demanding jobs may require 6 weeks to 4+ months depending on the procedure.
  • If needed, our office can provide work or school clearance letters.

⚠️ Normal Post-Op Sensations

These are common and usually not a cause for concern:

    • Mild pain or discomfort
    • Warmth or bruising around the incision
    • Redness at suture entry points
    • Numbness or tingling near the incision
    • Low-grade fevers (<101.5°F) in the first week

📅 Follow-Up

  • A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled 10–14 days after surgery. If you haven’t received an appointment, please call our office.

📝 Prescription Policies

  • Requests are handled Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
  • Allow up to 48 hours for refill requests
  • No refills will be given on weekends or holidays
  • Narcotics are not routinely refilled due to safety and regulatory guidelines

🚨 When to Call the Office Immediately

While most recoveries are smooth, please contact us if you experience:

    • Fever over 101.5°F or chills
    • Redness or foul-smelling drainage from the incision
    • Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat
    • Calf swelling, tenderness, or pain (possible blood clot)
    • Persistent nausea, vomiting, or urinary retention

Dr. Josiah Valk, D.O.

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Book Appointment

💊 After Surgery

What to Expect After Your Procedure

Thank you for entrusting Dr. Josiah Valk and his team with your surgical care. The following information outlines what to expect following your procedure and how to manage your recovery safely and effectively. Please review these instructions closely.

💉 Anesthesia

If you received a nerve block during surgery, it’s common to experience numbness or weakness in the affected limb for up to 8–36 hours. This is normal. If numbness lasts beyond 36 hours, please call our office.

 

As sensation returns, you may feel tingling or “pins and needles.” Begin taking your prescribed pain medication at this time to stay ahead of any discomfort.

🍲 Diet

Start with clear fluids and light foods. Avoid greasy or spicy meals for the first 24 hours. Hydration will help prevent constipation and promote healing.

🩹 Wound Care

  • Remove the outer bandage 48–72 hours after surgery. Do not remove Steri-Strips (white tape) over your incision.
  • Keep the incision clean and dry until your follow-up appointment (typically 10–14 days).
  • You may shower after 3 days but avoid soaking, baths, or pools until cleared by Dr. Valk.
  • If you remove your sling or brace to shower, ensure stability and safety — we recommend using a shower chair if needed.

💊 Medications

You may be prescribed a combination of medications for pain, inflammation, nausea, or blood clot prevention. Here's what to expect:

 

  • Narcotic Pain Medication (e.g., Norco, Percocet): Use as prescribed to manage pain. Expect drowsiness, constipation, and possible nausea. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking these medications.
  • Stool Softener (Colace or Senna): We recommend starting this with your narcotic pain medication to prevent constipation.
  • NSAIDs (e.g., Naproxen, Mobic): Used for inflammation and pain. Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
  • Anti-nausea Medication (e.g., Zofran): Use if you feel queasy after anesthesia or pain medication.
  • Blood Thinners (e.g., Aspirin, Xarelto): These may be prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots depending on your procedure and health history.

 

Refill Policy: Narcotic refills are considered case-by-case and cannot be guaranteed. Please do not wait until you are out of medication to contact the office.

🦾 Bracing & Physical Therapy

  • If you were given a sling, brace, or crutches, use them as instructed — typically for up to 6 weeks, depending on your surgery.
  • Physical therapy is critical for full recovery. Attend all sessions and follow your home exercise program to restore motion and strength.
  • Ice therapy is recommended 2–3 times daily for 20–30 minutes. Always place a barrier (e.g., towel or shirt) between the ice and your skin.

🚗 Driving & Travel

You may not drive while taking narcotic pain medication. Most patients are cleared to drive 4–6 weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure.

 

Avoid flights or long travel during the first 6 weeks unless previously approved. If travel is necessary, contact our office for blood clot prevention guidance.

🧑‍💻 Returning to Work or School

  • Return-to-work timing varies by procedure and job type. For desk jobs, many patients return within 3–7 days if off narcotic medications. Physically demanding jobs may require 6 weeks to 4+ months depending on the procedure.
  • If needed, our office can provide work or school clearance letters.

⚠️ Normal Post-Op Sensations

These are common and usually not a cause for concern:

    • Mild pain or discomfort
    • Warmth or bruising around the incision
    • Redness at suture entry points
    • Numbness or tingling near the incision
    • Low-grade fevers (<101.5°F) in the first week

📅 Follow-Up

  • A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled 10–14 days after surgery. If you haven’t received an appointment, please call our office.

📝 Prescription Policies

  • Requests are handled Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
  • Allow up to 48 hours for refill requests
  • No refills will be given on weekends or holidays
  • Narcotics are not routinely refilled due to safety and regulatory guidelines

🚨 When to Call the Office Immediately

While most recoveries are smooth, please contact us if you experience:

    • Fever over 101.5°F or chills
    • Redness or foul-smelling drainage from the incision
    • Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat
    • Calf swelling, tenderness, or pain (possible blood clot)
    • Persistent nausea, vomiting, or urinary retention