Instructions for patients
- In case of a consultation: get to the clinic at least 20 minutes ahead the scheduled consultation as to be able to proceed with all burocratic requests
- Remeber to bring all the medical records and examinations related to your condition.
THESE SUGGESTIONS HAS TO BE CONFIRMED BY YOUR SURGEON BEFORE YOU HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED.
WE REMIND YOU THAT THE DISCHARGING TIME MAY VARY ACCORDING TO THE PROCEEDING OF THE OPERATIVE SESSION AND ORGANIZATION REASONS.
 | Untill the day after surgery: keep your arm elevated when standing; when you lie use pillow to elevate the hand 10-14 inches above the heart level (an example is to hold a can of soda at your mouth level). |
 | Untill you go to bed: keep an ice pack on the affected area of your hand for about 20 minutes interval every hour while the hand is elevated, Be careful to keep the dressing dry. |
 | In case of pain: It is suggested to get a pain relief drug after surgery. There is not a better drug than the other; we suggest to get the medication you are used according to your general practinioner. It is recommended by the way to get those medications after main meals with an interval at least of 8 hours. Do not wait the pain to become to strong. |
 | For two days: gentle movement of the fingers in the dressing is encouraged to avoid swelling. If you have a splint and this blocks motion, this is deliberate and we ask that finger, hand or wrist motion is avoided |
 | From the day after surgery: in case of minor surgery the hand can be used normally without limitation for driving and daily life activities. In case of major surgery the surgeons will give you the proper protocol. |
 | Dressing: the dressing has to be kept as it is right after surgery as far as the scheduled follow up. It has to be kept dry. There might be some bloody spotting on the dressing initially: this is normal; ewxcessive bleeding that soaks the dressing must be reported to your surgeon. |