After you get home from the hospital, you will still be under Dr. Pigott's care with postoperative visits and telephone calls. However, you have a greater role in your recovery.

Walk daily and increase your distance a little every day.
This helps your body regain strength and helps you take deep breaths.

Be sure to cough while supporting your incision.
This helps keep your lungs expanded.

If you a leg incision, elevate your legs above the level of your heart for one hour three times a day.
This will reduce swelling in your legs and permit healing to occur more rapidly.

Take your medicines as prescribed by Dr. Pigott.
They will probably be different than before your operation.

It is normal for your chest and leg to be sore.
With exercise and time, the soreness will lessen.

Take your pain medicine as prescribed.
This will help you walk, cough, and sleep. After a week or so, Tylenol is usually enough to relieve any discomfort.