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How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
- Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. Do not lie flat. Sleep with your head up by using extra pillows. You can also try to sleep with your head up in a reclining chair. This can reduce swelling in your throat.
- Try to walk each day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation.
- You may shower or bathe as usual.
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for at least 2 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay.
- Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
- You will probably need to take 1 to 2 weeks off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.
Diet
- If it is painful to swallow, try eating soft foods like pudding, yogurt, canned or cooked fruit, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. Avoid eating foods that are hard or may have sharp edges like chips or raw vegetables. Avoid orange or tomato juice and other acidic foods that can sting the throat. You may want to avoid eating bananas until your throat is better. They can be painful to swallow.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).
- Avoid very hot or very cold foods and liquids.
- You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. You may want to take a fiber supplement every day. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative.
Medicines
- Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also be given instructions about taking any new medicines.
- If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
- Do not take aspirin, medicines that contain aspirin, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for 2 weeks after surgery unless your doctor says it is okay.
- Be safe with medicines. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
- Take your pain medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
- Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
Incision care
- You may have cuts (incisions) in your throat. The stitches will dissolve and do not need to be removed.
Ice and elevation
- To help with swelling and pain, put ice or a cold pack on your throat for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Do not lie flat. Raise your head with three or four pillows. This can reduce swelling.
Other instructions
- Use nonprescription anesthetic throat lozenges to soothe pain. Regular cough drops or hard candy may also help.
- Try not to cough or sneeze. But if you must, open your mouth, and cough or sneeze gently.
- Keep your mouth clean. Gargle with warm salt water one time each hour to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. Use 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) salt mixed in 1 cup (250 mL) warm water.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You have heavy bleeding from the incision that doesn't stop.
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have a fever.
- You have trouble swallowing.
- You find it hard to breathe.
- You taste blood in your mouth a few days after the surgery.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
