Question 1

My first appointment hasn't been booked: what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Call your surgeon's rooms the next business day. Do not assume it will be arranged automatically. Give your name, date of surgery, and procedure. If you cannot reach the surgeon's rooms, call the hospital ward you were on: they can contact the surgical team on your behalf.

Question 2

Can I shower before my first follow-up appointment?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your specific wound and surgeon's instructions. Generally, you can shower with the wound covered and avoid direct water on the wound until it has been assessed at your first appointment. Your discharge paperwork should specify this: if it does not, call the ward to confirm.

Question 3

Is it normal to feel much worse on Days 3–5 than I did on Day 1?

Accepted Answer

Yes: very common. Day 1 at home often feels manageable because anaesthetic is still partly on board and adrenaline is high. Days 3–5 are often the nadir of recovery; pain peaks, fatigue is at its worst, and constipation often arrives. This is expected. Take medications on schedule, rest, and know that this period passes.

Question 4

What if I have a concern but my follow-up is still 5 days away?

Accepted Answer

Do not wait 5 days with a genuine concern. Call your surgical team's after-hours number for anything on your warning signs list. Go to your GP for wound concerns, increasing pain, or medication problems. Go to emergency for fever above 38.5°C, calf pain, chest pain, or heavy bleeding. The follow-up appointment is not the only route to help.

Between hospital discharge and your first appointment, the gap nobody manages well

Your recovery toolkit

Welcome: a warm hello first

Between hospital discharge and your first appointment, the gap nobody manages well

🧰 Your recovery toolkit

Your recovery toolkit