FAQs

What is general surgery?

The focus of this surgical specialty is on the abdominal organs. General surgeons are highly skilled surgeons that operate on abdominal complaints such as hernia, gall bladders, appendicitis, bowel and intestinal problems.

What do I do if I need my pain medication refilled, or changed to another medication or if I have an allergic reaction?

If you are having an allergic reaction, call our office promptly at 563-823-9300. Please keep in mind that pain medication refills or changes are only available Monday through Friday during our regularly scheduled business hours. Our hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm and Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm.

If I have any problems what telephone number should I call?

Our office number is 563-823-9300. It will be answered either by our staff Monday -Thursday 8 am - 5pm or Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm, or our physician's exchange 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week and they will contact the physician on call.

What if my incision starts to bleed?

Apply direct pressure to the wound for 15 minutes without letting up on the pressure. Apply ice compresses. If bleeding does not stop in 15 minutes, call our office at 563-823-9300.

How do I know if I have an infection?

Evaluate your wound for redness, swelling, if it feels "hot" to the touch, or if it feels hard. If there is an increase in pain or a fever greater than 102 degrees, you should call the office at 563-823-9300.

What if I need any medical supply (ie. breast prosthesis, ostomy supplies or dressings for wound care)?

Call our office at 563-823-9300, a written prescription will be required for most medical supplies.

Immediately after surgery if my pain is not very well controlled, what should I do?

Apply ice packs as needed to your incision. You may alternate your prescription pain medication with an NSAID (ex. Aleve, Ibuprofen) if you do not have an allergy to those products, and no contraindications to NSAIDs. Call our office at 563-823-9300, if you do not show improvement.

When can I take a bath?

You may shower 24 hours after your surgery. DO NOT take a tub bath until 7 days after your surgery. DO NOT take a tub bath, go swimming or sit in a Jacuzzi if your wound is open or draining.

How soon after breast surgery can I begin my recommended exercises?

You may NOT initiate arm/shoulder exercises until your drain/or drains have been removed. After that, you may increase the intensity of your exercises as tolerated.

What do I do if I haven't had a bowel movement in more than 3 days after surgery?

We recommend walking, increasing your oral fluids, increasing dietary fiber. You may take Colace 100mg twice daily, or 1 dose of Miralax daily, or take MOM (Milk of Magnesia) 30-60 ml. Please call our office at 563-823-9300 if the above recommendations do not help.

What if my Jackson-Pratt drain stops working?

Call our office at 563-823-9300.

When can I start driving my car?

You may drive your car if you have not taken any prescription pain medication for at least 24 hours. You should not drive if you have an increase in pain by braking, twisting or turning or when putting your seat belt on.

When is it safe to resume my normal activities?

Please follow doctors recommended weight restrictions given to upon discharge. Most physical activities may be resumed as pain allows unless your doctor has advised you of any specific limitations at discharge or at your post operative visit.

When can I have sex?

You may engage in sexual intercourse as pain allows you to participate.

What do I do if I have diarrhea?

We recommend increasing fiber in your diet. Eating yogurt with active bacteria such as Activia or greek yogurt is helpful. Take tub baths (allowed 7 days after surgery) and apply Desitin to your rectum for pain relief.

What are your office hours?

Our office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00am - 5:00pm and Friday, 8:00am - 12:00pm. After hours our exchange will contact the surgeon on call.

Where can I learn more about the surgery or problem I have?

On our website homepage we have education materials under Patient Resourses on the common diagnosis or surgical procedures we see in our office.

What hospitals or surgery centers do you go to?

Our surgeons have privileges at Genesis Medical Center Davenport and Unity Point Trinity in Bettendorf. We also perform outpatient procedures at Jackson County Regional Hospital in Maquoketa. Several surgeons perform cases at Mississippi Valley Surgery Center.