After your surgery/procedure you will receive care in the “Post Anesthesia Care Unit” where the nurses will watch you closely. When appropriate, we will allow your family member to be with you in the recovery period. In most cases, depending on your procedure, you will be ready to leave the Center in 30 minutes to 2 hours following completion of your surgery.

Before you are discharged, your nurse will review your home care instructions with you and your family. A copy of these instructions will be sent home with you.

Have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Take it easy until your physician says you can return to your normal routine.

It is natural to experience some discomfort in the area of the operation.  You may also experience some drowsiness or dizziness depending on the type of anesthesia you receive or on the amount of pain medication you are taking at home.

Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or power tools, cook, drink alcoholic beverages, smoke, make legal decisions, or take any medications not prescribed by your physician for at least 24 hours after your surgery.

The day after surgery (or the following Monday if your procedure was on a Friday)  , a member of the Surgery Center staff will call to see how you are feeling.

Contact your physician if you feel you are having problems after surgery.

If you cannot contact your doctor but feel your concerns warrant a doctor’s attention, call or go to the emergency room closest to you.