iCOUGH

If you have attended surgery school, you will have received an incentive spirometer and been shown how to use it. If not, or if you need a reminder, the video below will show you what to do.

You should aim for 3-5 deep breaths. Remember to bring your spirometer to hospital with you.

Sometimes deep breathing and coughing can be difficult to perform due to pain and/or tiredness. This can increase your risk of developing chest complications. If your pain is not under control, please speak to your nurse.

It is very important to be able to cough up any secretions/phlegm you may have to help prevent chest complications. This may be uncomfortable so use a rolled up towel or your hands to support your wound and press firmly whilst coughing. Many patients worry they may damage their wound by doing this or coughing strongly, but please be reassured this is not the case.

Below is a breathing exercise called the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT)

Breathing control
Place your hand on your tummy and gently breathe in and out, your tummy should rise as you breathe in.

Deep breathing
Keep your shoulders and chest relaxed and take a deep breath in as much as you can. Sniff a little more in, hold 3 seconds and relax out. Repeat 3-5 times.

Huff
Take a breath in. Open your mouth. Huff out a forced breath as if you are steaming up a mirror, but in a short, sharp movement.

You should try to complete ACBT or incentive spirometer every waking hour. e.g. 8am ACBT, 9am incentive spirometer, 10am ACBT etc

Good oral care reduces the risk of chest complications. We encourage patients to brush their teeth, tongue and roof of mouth twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene.

Please bring your dentures and mouth-care products with you.

Involve your friends and family in what you need to do. They can help you achieve your goals with encouragement and support.

For every day you spend in bed you lose 1-2% of your muscle strength. Getting up and about early will help prevent this and aid your recovery. It also helps you to take deeper breaths and reduces your risk of getting a chest complication.

It is expected that you will begin mobilising the day after your surgery but it can often be the same day. If you are struggling with this the ward staff are there to help. You may have several drips or drains attached to you. The ward staff can help you with these and show you how to hook them up to allow you to walk.

Drips and drains should not prevent you from walking.

You should aim to increase the distance walked each day and to be walking independently as early as possible but if you are struggling with your mobility, you may be referred to a physiotherapist. Family or friends can also support and encourage you with your walking if it is safe to do so.

If you normally use a walking aid please bring this into hospital with you.

When you are in bed, sit as upright as possible (when you are not asleep) and try not to slump. Aim not to lie completely flat but with the head of the bed lifted up a little (ideally a third of the way between flat and upright). Side lying is also good. If you are unable to reposition yourself, please ask a staff member to help you.