Surgery Recovery
Recovery:
After surgery, you will either be taken back to your room or to the recovery room and monitored closely. If you need something for pain, simply ask.
It is not unusual after surgery to experience nausea, vomiting, and a mild sore throat. Mild bruising or soreness may occur at the IV insertion site. These generally disappear in a short time.
At first, you may feel unsteady on your feet. Please call for help, until the nurse says that you may get up without assistance. It is in your best interest to become active as soon as possible and gradually increase your activity.
A healthy diet will speed your recovery. It is wise to ease back to a normal diet. Eat small amounts of bland foods at first as directed by your physician.
If you have an incision:
- A nurse will demonstrate how to care for your incision.
- Wash your hands before and after touching the area to help prevent infection.
- Keep the incision clean and dry.
- Take warm showers instead of baths.
Discharge:
Your surgeon/hospitalist determines when you will be discharged. Your nurse will go over your home instructions and send a copy with you. Be sure you understand the instructions and ask any questions you may have at this time. Please have someone available to drive you home.
Some topics to discuss with your surgeon/hospitalist:
- Incision Care
- Medications
- Pain Control
- Bathing
- Diet
- Activity
- Driving
- Follow-up Appointment
- Returning to work
Our staff will make every effort to contact you the day after discharge or within 72 hours to check on your progress.
Reasons to call your surgeon:
- A fever over 101°
- Incision becomes red, swollen, or open
- Bleeding from your incision
- Pain not relieved by pain medication
- Nausea, vomiting, rash or itching
Survey:
After you are home you will receive a survey in the mail. There will be questions regarding your visit with us. Please take time to complete and mail the survey. The feedback from the surveys allows us to continually work on improving our services.