We have the pleasure of treating patients from all over Australia – and we tailor our peri-operative management around convenience. It is more difficult to attend our clinic for appointments, especially when they are routine. Whilst we will always be available to see you as normal in our usual schedule, sometimes it is more convenient to make changes to suit your own travel to and from Adelaide. We have the ability to stay in constant communication throughout your journey and have systems in place to ensure you are well supported.
It's been a long time and my hypafix dressing is still on. What do I do?
As a regional patient, you may have performed this dressing yourself. I would recommend that if it is still on after being on for 2 weeks, then just remove it. It won’t be doing a great deal then anyway. Its main purpose it to make the scar nice and slim, and to protect the wound against abrasion from underwear or clothes.
When can I swim, bath or go into the ocean.
4 weeks post op. Please don’t go in any earlier than that. We are waiting for a full seal of the wound to avoid infections getting in. This includes hydrotherapy.
What do I need to do if I fly back home directly after surgery?
If you are flying back to your home after surgery, you can do this in several ways. You can fly directly home after you leave hospital – sometimes we will opt to keep you in hospital for an extra night to ensure you are more independent when you leave hospital before embarking on a flight. You can stay in Adelaide for a few days before flying home, or you can even stay in Adelaide for your 2 week post op visit before flying home. Your hospital stay will still remain somewhere between 2-4 nights post op.
Boarding a flight will require you to use a walking stick most likely. A walking frame is usually not required, but if you have always used a walking frame prior to surgery, then it is likely you will need one for the plane. If you came across with a walking frame, then the process is no different on the way home.
Medications – you will have some controlled substances when you travel back, such as an opiate analgesia like Endone or Palexia. You will have a box with a script on it, with a set amount on the packet. Please ensure that you do not bring MORE than what you are prescribed back with you, or this can create issues. Anything we give you to take in the hospital is safe and fine to bring home.
When flying home, airlines often have variable requirements. If they notice that you have had recent surgery, then they will sometimes not allow you to fly before you have certain forms completed. Please see the following links for the current forms required: