Your recovery

Recovery expectations

It is normal to experience sleepiness and dizziness during the first day after surgery, especially if you received sedation or anesthesia. Plan to rest, and avoid important decisions, driving and operating machinery for at least 24 hours or as directed by your physician.

Discharge instructions

Before you leave the center, our staff will review your discharge instructions with you and your escort, and you will receive a written copy along with any prescriptions your doctor has provided. Follow these instructions carefully; they are specific to you and your procedure.

Transportation and supervision

Do not plan to drive yourself home or use public transportation after your procedure. A friend, relative or dedicated caregiver must drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after anesthesia. You should not be alone.

Medication reminders

Take medications only as directed in your discharge instructions. If you were told to pause any of your regular medications before surgery, your instructions will tell you when to resume them. Ask your physician or pharmacist before adding anything new, including over-the-counter medicines.

Follow-up

A member of our staff will call you the day after your procedure to check on your recovery. If you have any concerns or problems before or after that call, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.

When to call your physician

Call your physician promptly if you experience anything your discharge instructions tell you to watch for, or if something simply does not feel right. Common reasons to call include:

• Fever or chills
• Bleeding or drainage that is more than your instructions describe
• Pain that is not controlled by your prescribed medication
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Redness, swelling or warmth around the surgical site