Endarterectomy post op care?

[IMPatti2]

I just had a rt. Carotid endarterectomy a week ago. My doctor gave me a script for pain meds and said no driving for 1-2 weeks and to make an appt. for 1 month. He said I could not return to work for one month.That's it. I called his office but stil no return call. Can I go walking outdoors? Can I exercise? Why can't I return to work for one month? How long does it take for the swelling to go down? Any diet restrictions?Can I go grocery shopping? I can't believe that I wasn't told anything.Thanks for reading this.

[ed34]

Just to add, I think the driving rule is nuts. Being a passenger in any vehicle is going to carry the same risk, not just driving it. If the driver suddenly brakes hard to avoid a collision, your neck will receive trauma to the surgical site. I would suggest if you must be a passenger, ask the driver to take extra care.

[ed34]

1-2 weeks for driving? wow, that should really be more like 3-4 weeks. We have a rule here that until you can safely perform an emergency stop, you can't drive. An emergency stop would put huge trauma on the neck. The swelling should start to reduce in a few days. You can do light duties until you've seen your Doctor, but no heavy lifting, which includes heavy grocery bags. Walking is fine. No sporting activities until you've seen the Doctor, or physical exercises (apart from walking). You must also look out for any odd symptoms which include numbness of legs, arms, face even if on one side. The site of the surgery may feel numb for a while though. If you have trouble speaking or understanding speech, if you have odd vision in both or one eye. Difficulty walking, can't balance, falling over, bad headaches. All these must be reported immediately. Take care to ensure that the wound site is clean, mild soap and water can be used. Stitches will be removed at your next visit, unless they are dissolving ones.
This is from the UK guidelines and I hope you find them useful.