Recovery
How does the recovery process look like?
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Your recovery usually takes about 5-7 weeks. Usually for the first 24 hours you are kept in an ICU and the next 4-6 days you are kept in the hospital.
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Generally, you should be able to sit in a chair after 1 day, walk after 3 days, and walk up and down stairs after 5 or 6 days.
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After you return home for the first few days, you can walk short distances, cook, play cards, and lift light objects.
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In four weeks, you should be able to drive.
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You should also be able to lift heavier objects but make sure to be extremely careful.
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Low appetites are common after surgery.
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Additionally, you will feel pain for a few weeks. Make sure to not to swim or soak in a hot bath until you cut has fully healed.
For more information
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St Vincent's Hospital - Videos on different parts of the recovery process.
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My Health Alberta - Information on what is normal after surgery
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Mount Sinai - Self Care Instructions
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NIH - Detailed Article