• When you return home continue walking: The walking will help you build strength. Gradually increase the amount of walking you do each day. Take planned rest periods during the day. The best gauge is your own body and how you feel. It is very important that you continue walking when you are discharged from the hospital. Not only will this build strength but will also aid in preventing blood clots from the legs.
• Avoid bending: If you must pick something up, bend with your knees, not your waist: stoop to pick up the item.
• Avoid heavy lifting: Anything you need to brace yourself to pick up is too heavy. Also avoid strenuous activity.
• Stairs should not be a problem: Take them slowly at first. You may wish to group your activities, so that you do not have to make many trips up and down stairs during the first week you are home.
• Driving should be avoided: Driving should be avoided for at least 4 weeks after surgery or until you are not taking medications or are pain free.
• Pain Medications: You will be given a medication prescription, which have to be followed strictly.
• Bathing/taking: a shower will be ok. Gently wash the incision with soap and water, rinse well, and pat dry the areas near the incision and keep it dry.
• Diet: A well balanced diet is encouraged to promote healing and good bowel function. Return to your normal fluid intake.
• Avoid constipation:  If you become constipated, there are alternatives to consider. Increase the roughage in your diet. Drink orange juice or you can take an over the counter laxative of your choice.  Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day.

• Your incision becomes red or swollen
• The skin around your incision is warmer than elsewhere and is slightly red
• There is drainage from your incision
• There is an opening in your incision
• You are having difficulty passing urine or your urine output becomes less than it 
• normally has been
• There are chills or fever
• Severe pain that is not relieved by the prescribed medication