Understanding Your Surgery
Recovery
Information about your recovery:
A key to successful surgery is understanding how you will feel after surgery and what you can do to help speed your recovery. Please read the following material carefully and share it with your accompanying family member or friend. Before your procedure, our nurses will personally verify that you understand the information and answer any questions you may have. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will be available prior to surgery to answer questions as well.
What happens right after surgery?
You will be transferred to the recovery room. There the nurse will
check your blood pressure, pulse and respiration rate. Medications
for pain or nausea may be administered. Since many patients feel slightly disoriented after surgery, your nurse will first assure you that you are safely in the recovery room. She will then encourage you to wake up, move your arms and legs and offer refreshments such as water, soda or apple juice. As soon as you are comfortable, your family member or friend may join you. It is important to communicate with your nurse and let her know if you need pain medication or have special concerns.
How will I feel?
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 effects of anesthesia.
How soon can I return home?
Once your vital signs are normal, and your nurse determines that your condition meets all discharge criteria, you may return home. You may not be completely pain-free. Most patients spend an average of 1 – 1 ½ hours in the recovery room. Time may vary depending on the type of anesthesia used, the length of time spent in the operating room, and your individual response.
What if I don’t feel ready to go home?
Once all discharge criteria is met, you may return home any time. If you wish to remain at the Center a bit longer, simply ask your nurse. She will be glad to discuss this option with you. We do recommend that you leave before the effects of the anesthesia wear off completely. This helps reduce pain for the trip home and allows you to fall asleep more easily and rest more comfortably once you return home. Studies show that the familiar surroundings of home actually help speed recovery and reduce the need for pain medications.
What happens when I am discharged?
Before being dressed and escorted to your care, we review your post-operative home care instructions with you and give you a written copy for easy reference. We will review with you all your medications. You will also be given prescriptions for any pain medications or antibiotics recommended by your doctor.
What should I do when I get home?
To hasten your recovery, we recommend that you rest comfortably as soon as you get home. Patients typically feel sleepy most of the day. You may begin your regular diet and resume normal activity when you and your doctor determine you are ready.
What should I do if I have a problem?
A nurse will be calling within the first 48 hours after your surgery (if you surgery was on a Friday, expect a call on Monday). If you have any questions or concerns before then, please feel free to call Gateway Surgery Center during regular business hours at 602-288-4441 or contact your surgeon’s office. After hours, your surgeon’s directory will contact a physician on call. If you feel your condition is an emergency, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.