After Surgery - Adults
What can I expect after I wake up from surgery?
Following surgery, depending on the type of anesthesia you receive, you may go to our Recovery Room where nurses will monitor you while you wake up from the effects of anesthesia.
Once the anesthetic has worn off sufficiently, patients go to the stepdown area. Here a nurse cares for you as you continue your recovery. You will be offered a beverage and toast in this area. Your family or friend will be able to join you.
If Recovery Room is not required, you may go directly from the operating room to the step-down area.
How long will I stay after my surgery?
There is no prescribed time to stay with us after surgery. You will be permitted to go home as soon as we feel it is safe to discharge you. Some patients may be ready for discharge after a hour or two, where others may need to stay longer.
What will happen if I am not well enough to go home?
Admission to a hospital from a day surgery center does not happen often. If there is a medical reason to keep you overnight, you will be admitted to the hospital.
What if I am not feeling well at home?
You may call the surgery center or your surgeon for advice. If it seems to be serious, please call 911 immediately or go to the nearest ER.
What can I eat when I get home?
We generally suggest that you eat lightly after surgery. We encourage you to drink plenty of fluids.
We will review special diets with you for tonsil surgery.
Should I continue my medication?
Most patients should continue their usual medication on arriving home. Patients who have diabetes and those patients on blood thinners may require special instructions.
The management of your pain will be taken very seriously. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home. You will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain from a numerical scale, or for children, the Faces Pain Scale (see below). We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable, choosing from oral medications, intravenous medication, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic for the management of your pain. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have.
What if I need a refill on my pain medication?
If a medication refill will be needed, please call your pharmacy and ask them to fax a refill request to your physicians’ office at least 48 hours prior to needing. It will be difficult to obtain refills on weekends and after hours.
Where will my family wait for me?
Your family or friend will be able to be with you before surgery and be able to join you again after your surgery. While you are in surgery and in the recovery room they will wait in our waiting room.
Is there food and beverages for my family while they wait?
There will be coffee, pop and cookies in the waiting area for family. If they would like to go out and eat they can inquire at the reception desk for close by places.
What if I have additional questions?
We encourage you to ask questions and will make every effort to address your concerns. You can contact us by phone at 701-271-1045 or 1-877-918-5930.
