Rapid Recovery Book

DAY 1 AFTER SURGERY

 Bath and out of bed by 6 am, seated in recliner in your room.  Your Surgeon and/or Physician’s Assistant will visit you in the morning.  Physical Therapist will assess your progress and get you walking with either crutches or a walker.  You must ask the Nurse for your pain medication when you need it. Meal times are ideal times for taking pain medication. Do NOT take pain pills on an empty stomach.  Be sure to take your pain medication before you go to therapy, while in the hospital and at home.  Group Therapy will begin at 9am and 1pm. Your Coach is en- couraged to be present as much as possible.  Visitors are welcome, preferably later in the afternoon or evening.  Occupational Therapist will instruct you on precautions and necessary assistive devices for home use.  Bath and out of bed by 6:00am.  Dress in your own loose fitting clothes.  Walk to group therapy at approximately 8:30am with physical therapist.  Group therapy will start at 9am. It would be helpful for your coach to participate in group therapy.  At noon, you will eat with the other patients, your coach and Rapid Recovery Team. There is no charge to the coach.  After lunch, you will have your second group therapy exercise session.  Most patients will be dismissed on day two but some will require additional days to help with medical issues and/or receive additional therapy. DAY 2 AFTER SURGERY