| Pain Management |
- Surgery to repair a fracture can be painful. You will receive a prescription
for narcotic pain
medicine. For the first 2–3 days, take the pain medication around the clock
to stay on top of the
pain control. After 3 days, take the medicine only if you need it. If your
pain is mild, you may
take Tylenol (acetaminophen) instead. It is important to know that even with
pain medication, you
can still experience some pain.
- Be sure to talk with the clinic nurse about how to take your pain
medication. Taking the correct
dose at the appropriate time is important.
- If you have uncomfortable side effects from the pain medicine, please call
the nurse at (206)
555-4263 (HAND).
|
| Driving |
- Do not drive if you are taking narcotic pain medication. It is not safe. The
medicine can make you sleepy and delay your reaction time.
- When you are no longer taking the narcotic pain medication, you may drive as
soon as you can comfortably grip the steering wheel with both hands. It is
generally best to avoid long drives until the initial dressing and plaster
splint are removed.
|
| Activity |
- Move your fingers to help prevent stiffness. Try to bend (make a fist) and
straighten your fingers 5 to 6 times a day.
- It is important to exercise your shoulder several times a day by lifting
your arm overhead to minimize stiffness.
- Do not lift anything heavier than a cup of coffee or full soda can (about
1–2 lb) until sutures have been removed.
- You can use your hand for very light activities of daily living, such as
eating, writing, typing, getting dressed, and brushing your teeth. However,
pain and stiffness may make it hard to do these things for 2 to 4 weeks.
|
