Will I have a lot of pain?
- As the anaesthetic wears off, you may begin to feel some discomfort at the operated site. This is quite normal but should be bearable. You would have been prescribed painkillers prior to your discharge. It is more effective to take the painkillers regularly in the first few days after the operation rather than waiting for the pain to develop.
- If the pain is not controlled by taking painkillers such as paracetamol/ ibuprofen/codeine, you should contact Mr Ng for a review.
What should I do with the dressing?
- You should keep the dressing applied at the time of surgery clean and dry. Depending on your surgery, a dressing clinic appointment is normally arranged within 5-7 days postoperatively for wound care.
- If your dressing is getting soiled or becoming loose, please contact the dressing clinic nurses who will be able to attend to you. Any concerns with the wound itself will be brought to Mr Ng’s attention.
Will I have any stitches to remove?
- Mr Ng uses both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s conditions. Non-absorbable sutures will be removed generally in approximately two weeks’ time. Appointment for sutures removal will be arranged prior to your discharge from the hospital.
What if I need a sick note?
- Please mention it to the ward staff or Mr Ng who can issue you with a sick note.
Do I need physiotherapy / hand therapy?
- Therapy is an integral part of hand, wrist and peripheral nerve surgery. Depending on the complexity of your operation, your rehabilitation may vary accordingly.
- Mr Ng works with a number of physiotherapist, hand therapists and occupational therapists, who are all specialist in their respective fields, in order to maximise the functional outcome of your surgery.
When can I drive?
- You may start driving as soon as you feel comfortable and confident that you can drive safely. Specifically, you must be able to carry out an emergency stop effectively.
When can I resume normal activities?
- This varies depending on your normal level of activities and the specific type of surgery that you have undergone. Mr Ng will advise you personally.