Question: My girlfriend just had surgery on her back (lower back) to remover cysts. She has a incision that is about 8.5 in. long that was stiched closed. We need to know how many times the gause pad needs to be changed and when she will be able to take a shower. She also has a temp. of 100.7. Should we be concerned about this? Earl

Answer: Dear Earl,

After surgery, your doctor should have specified how often the gause pad needs to be changed and when the patient will be able to do normal activities. Post surgery recovery is different depending on the type of operation.

Fever can be normal after surgery but in some cases it may be a symptom of infection making medical intervention necessary.