You’ll start feeling back to normal a day or two after getting home. But don’t forget that you just had surgery. You need to take it easy, even if you feel fine. Follow any instructions your healthcare provider gives you. In most cases, stitches dissolve on their own.
When to call 911
A stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 right away if you have any of these symptoms of stroke:
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Weakness, tingling, or loss of feeling on one side of your face or body
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Sudden double vision or trouble seeing in one or both eyes
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Sudden trouble talking or slurred speech
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Sudden, severe headache
B.E. F.A.S.T. Reminder for Stroke Signs
B.E.F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the warning signs of a stroke, and what to do if someone near you is experiencing them.
B.E. F.A.S.T. Stands for…
B – Balance
Is there a sudden difficulty with balance or coordination? Is walking or sitting difficult?
E – Eyes
Is there a sudden change in eyesight such as blurred vision, double vision, or a loss of vision in one or both eyes without pain?
F – Face
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
A – Arm
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech
Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Are they unable to speak at all? Ask the person to repeat is simple sentence like “It is a bright and sunny day.”
T – Time to call 911!
If a person shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 to get them to the hospital immediately. Time is very important. The sooner they get to the hospital, the more likely they are to receive stroke reversing and potentially life-saving treatment.
When to call your healthcare provider
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
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Swollen neck
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Redness or fluid coming from the wound
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Your face, an arm. or a leg becomes numb or weak
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Sudden changes in vision or loss of vision in one eye
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Trouble speaking, swallowing, or breathing
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider
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Severe headache or eye pain on the same side of the body you had surgery on
If your healthcare provider’s office is closed, go to the hospital emergency room.