Home care

• Don't drive until your healthcare provider says it is safe to do so.

• Rest as directed by your healthcare provider. Most people are able to go back to their normal activity within a few days.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3 to 4 days.

• Don't do any strenuous activity for 2 weeks.

• Exercise per your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

• You can shower the day after the procedure.

• Ask your healthcare provider when it is safe to swim or take a bath.

• Take your medicines exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.

• Unless directed otherwise, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration. It will also help flush your body of the dye that was used during your procedure.

• Take your temperature every day for a week. Also check the place where your incision was made for signs of infection (redness, swelling, or warmth)..

Follow-up care

• Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

• If you have stitches or staples, see your healthcare provider in 7 to 10 days to have them removed.

• Ask your healthcare provider when you can go back to work.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:

• Constant or increasing pain or numbness in your leg

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• Chills

• Signs of infection at the place where the incision was made (redness, swelling, or warmth)

• Shortness of breath

• A leg that feels cold or looks blue

• Bleeding, bruising, or a large swelling where the catheter was inserted

• Blood in your urine

• Black or tarry stools

• Any unusual bleeding