Postoperative advice for mastoid surgery-various aspects-
1. Keep your head elevated by using several pillows while lying down for 2 weeks after surgery.
2. Refrain from blowing your nose until your doctor informs you that your ear has healed. Any secretions that accumulate in your nose may be drawn back into the throat and can be spat out if preferred. The nose may be softly dabbed with tissue paper. This is especially essential if you happen to catch a cold. You should adhere to this precaution for 4 weeks following surgery.
3. Do not attempt to “pop” your ears by plugging your nose and blowing air through the Eustachian tube into your ear.
4. Sneeze with your mouth open.
5. Until instructed by your doctor, do not let water enter your ear. The outer cap can be taken off 48 hours after surgery. You may shower 48 hours post-operation. When showering, put a small clean piece of cotton coated in Vaseline in your outer ear opening to prevent water from entering. If packing is present in your ear, this may be placed directly over the packing. Remove the cotton once the showering is finished.
6. After you’ve taken off the outer cap, clean the incision with hydrogen peroxide two times a day until it has healed. After cleansing, apply a small amount of Bacitracin or Neosporin to the incision. The stitches are dissolvable and will eventually fall out by themselves.
7. For three weeks after surgery, avoid bending or lifting heavy objects (over 20 pounds).
8. You might notice popping, clicking, or other sounds in your ear. Your ear may also feel congested. Occasional sharp shooting pains are common. At times, it may seem as if there is liquid in your ear.
9. You may drive once you are no longer feeling dizzy or fatigued and have stopped taking pain medication. Refrain from flying for 3-4 weeks.
