Often it’s hard to know which medical treatment choices you might face. Would you rather let someone you trust decide for you? A durable power of attorney for health care lets you name an agent to carry out your wishes. This happens only if you can’t express your wishes yourself.

An advance medical directive is a form that lets you plan ahead for the care you’d want if you could no longer express your wishes. This statement outlines the medical treatment you’d want or names the person you’d wish to make healthcare decisions for you. Be aware that laws vary from state to state, and it may be worthwhile to talk with an attorney.

Once you're home after surgery, you may have some pain. For effective pain management, follow the tips you may have learned in the hospital.

Some people feel a little nauseated after surgery. This is often due to medicines, dehydration, or simply the stress of surgery. Follow these helpful tips.

Dressing your incision helps keep it clean, dry, and infection-free. That way it will heal faster. Here are steps to follow.

A drainage tube removes fluid from around an incision. This helps prevent infection and promotes healing. Follow these instructions.

After surgery, a PCA pump lets you give yourself pain medicine, as you need it. The medicine is delivered through an IV (intravenous) line, a thin tube that goes into your vein.

An incentive spirometer is a handheld device that helps you do deep breathing exercises. Learn how to use it with these step-by-step instructions.

After surgery, there are steps you can take to help with your recovery. You may have been an inpatient (staying in the hospital overnight) or an outpatient (going home the day of surgery). While in the hospital, it is important to follow directions from your surgeon, nurse, and other health care providers.

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection. Many cases of pneumonia are caused by bacteria or viruses. Read on to learn more.