Recovery day by day
Choose your operation, then step through the days. See what is usually fine to do at each stage, and the warning signs that always matter.
1. Your operation
Abdomen
Hernia
Anus and back passage
Neck and breast
Small operations
2. Which type?
3. How long since surgery?
Walking and light activity
Only if comfortable
Walking: same day or next day
Light housework and shopping
Not yet
Light housework and shopping: about day 2 to 7
Driving
Not yet
Driving: after 3–5 days (when pain-free)
Office work
Not yet
Office work: 1 week
Sexual intimacy
Not yet
Sexual intimacy: about day 7 to 14
Heavy lifting and sport
Not yet
Heavy lifting, heavy weight-bearing and sport: about 30 days (1 month).
See every stage at a glance
Each square is one stage, from the day of surgery onwards.
| Day of surgery | Day 1 | Days 2–3 | Days 4–7 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walking and light activity | Only if comfortable | Usually fine | Usually fine | Usually fine | Usually fine | Usually fine | Usually fine |
| Light housework and shopping | Not yet | Not yet | Only if comfortable | Only if comfortable | Usually fine | Usually fine | Usually fine |
| Driving | Not yet | Not yet | Only if comfortable | Only if comfortable | Usually fine | Usually fine | Usually fine |
| Office work | Not yet | Not yet | Not yet | Only if comfortable | Usually fine | Usually fine | Usually fine |
| Sexual intimacy | Not yet | Not yet | Not yet | Only if comfortable | Only if comfortable | Usually fine | Usually fine |
| Heavy lifting and sport | Not yet | Not yet | Not yet | Not yet | Not yet | Not yet | Only if comfortable |
Wound care and follow-up
- First visit: 5–7 days after surgery for a wound check.
- Sick leave: 7–14 days.
- Hospital stay: 1–2 days (longer if the appendix had burst).
Warning signs on any day
Go to the emergency room immediately, then call your surgeon
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Heavy bleeding that soaks dressings
- Severe pain that medicines do not relieve
- Fever above 38°C
- Redness, swelling, pus or bleeding from the wound
- Vomiting that continues, or you cannot eat or drink
- Swelling or severe pain in a leg (possible clot)
- Difficulty passing urine
Your own surgeon's instructions always come first.
Read the full guideTimings are the usual ones from your surgeon's guide. They are not a promise. Follow your own surgeon's instructions, and ask if you are unsure.