pH / Impedance Study (GERD) Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for ph / impedance study (gerd): what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Bowel Recovery
- •It's normal for bowel function to take 2-5 days to normalize
- •Walking helps stimulate bowel activity
- •Stay hydrated, eat fiber gradually
pH / Impedance Study (GERD) recovery, day by day
Wound & Drain Care
- Keep incision clean and dry
- Monitor any drains for output and color
- Take prescribed medications with small sips of water
Diet
- Clear liquids only until bowel sounds return
- No food until cleared by your surgeon
- Ice chips to stay comfortable
Diet Advancement
- Advance diet as directed: clear liquids > full liquids > soft foods
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than large ones
- Avoid greasy, spicy, or high-fiber foods initially
Mobility
- Walk frequently to help bowel function return
- Deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia
- Avoid straining during bowel movements
Recovery
- Gradually return to normal diet as tolerated
- Monitor bowel habits and report significant changes
- No lifting over 10 lbs for 4-6 weeks
- Attend all follow-up appointments
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call 911 now for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or swelling of the face or throat
- •Call your clinic promptly for fever or chills, bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, or pain not controlled by your clinician-approved plan
- •Call your clinic for hives or another possible allergic reaction that is not affecting breathing or causing facial or throat swelling
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Redness, warmth, or pus at the incision site, signs of infection
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Sudden increase in swelling or pain after initial improvement
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Numbness or tingling that worsens
- •Call your care team today if you notice: No bowel movement for 4+ days after surgery
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Persistent nausea or vomiting
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Abdominal distension or severe bloating
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Bowel Function Returns
Passing gas and/or having a bowel movement
- Day 4
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 5
Diet Advances to Solid Food
Tolerating soft solid foods without nausea
- Day 7
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
For clinics
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