Recovery & Aftercare

Immediately After Surgery

  • Immediately following your surgery, you will be taken to the Recovery Room where a registered nurse will care for you until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
  • You may have an intravenous line for fluids and medication until you are drinking.
  • The recovery area is large, bright, and cool. If you feel cold, ask for a warm blanket.
  • Expect to have pain after surgery. To help manage your pain, your nurse will ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 0 – 10 (0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain).
  • Your health and the type of procedure determine how much time you will need to recover, usually one to a few hours. You may feel sleepy, or be in pain for awhile afterward. Letting your nurse know how you feel is important.

Post-Procedure Instructions

  • Your nurse will give you instructions before you go home.
  • You may also have written instructions from your surgeon.
  • Your nurse will review the discharge instructions with you and your family member or friend and give you a written copy. It is important you follow these instructions for a better recovery.

Getting Home

  • You must have a reliable adult escort you home.
  • Arrange for someone to stay with you the first 24 hours after surgery. You may need help around the house or with getting your prescriptions filled. Do not drive for 24 hours after anesthesia.
  • A nurse will call you the next day to check on you.
  • At the time of discharge, you will receive a patient satisfaction survey with postage already paid. When you feel up to it, we would appreciate you completing the survey and dropping it in the mail. Your feedback will help us to continue to provide excellent service.

During your brief stay with us, you will find the highest quality of care rendered by concerned, well-trained staff. You will also find warm, friendly surroundings, easy access, and a degree of personal attention unlike that available in a hospital environment. We encourage questions during your stay so that we may put you at ease.

Download the Pain Control Pamphlet here.