What to Expect After Surgery
After your procedure, you will be moved to our fully equipped recovery room where the anesthesia provider and our recovery room nurses will monitor you closely and treat you for any pain or nausea until you are ready to go home. Your doctor will want to talk with a family member/friend after your surgery so it is important for this person to remain in the building.
The time a patient stays in the recovery room will vary depending on the procedure performed and the physician’s instructions.
Your surgeon will provide post-operative instructions about diet, rest, activity level, and medications. The Center will provide you with a written summary of these instructions before you are discharged. We suggest that you pamper yourself for the first 24 hours following your procedure.
If you had anesthesia and/or pain medications, arrange for an adult to remain with you at home for at least 24 hours. Since it is normal to feel drowsy after receiving an anesthetic, we also recommend that you postpone these activities for 24 hours after discharge:
- Driving and operating equipment
- Signing important papers
- Making significant decisions
- Drinking alcoholic beverages
If you have any unexpected problems, please call your doctor. A nurse from the Center will attempt to call you the next day to check your progress and discuss any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How will I feel after surgery?
Most patients feel a bit groggy, light-headed, dizzy, sore and slightly nauseated. How you feel depends on the complexity of your procedure, how long you were in the operating room, your pain threshold and what type of anesthesia you were given. Each person responds differently to surgery and the effect of anesthesia. It is important to communicate with your nurse and let her know if you need pain medication or have special concerns.
How soon can I return home?
Once your vital signs are stable, you feel comfortable and alert, and your nurse determines that your condition meets all discharge criteria, you may return home when you feel ready. You may not be completely pain-free. Most patients spend an average of one hour and a half to two hours in their room. Time may vary depending on the type of anesthesia used, the length of time spent in the operating room, and your individual response.
We do recommend that you leave before the effects of your anesthesia wear off completely. This helps reduce pain for the trip home, and allows you to fall asleep more easily and rest more comfortable once you return home. Studies show that the familiar surroundings of home actually help speed recovery and reduce the need for pain medication.