Post-Operative

Your Post-Operative Instructions are very important for a healthy and safe recovery. Please follow the instructions carefully. If you have questions regarding your post-operative care, please contact your surgeon.

• What to expect after surgery
• What to expect after discharge
• What NOT to do after surgery

What to expect after surgery:
You will spend time in the recovery area where your nurse will provide individualized attention until you are ready to leave

A family member or friend is welcome to sit with you once you are awake from the anesthesia.

Patients will not be discharged to home until their pain is controlled and they are safely able to move.

Your responsible, adult caregiver will be given both verbal and written instructions regarding your post-operative care

What to expect after discharge:

Let your responsible adult caregiver take care of you.

• A First State Surgery Center nurse will call all patients the day after surgery to check on them and answer any questions.
• Call your surgeon if you have unusual symptoms or changes in your condition that you did not expect; such as fevers or drainage from an incision.
  • Pain is expected and normal after surgery.
  • Nausea is also common after surgery. Start with a liquid diet and advance to regular food based on how you feel.
• Please follow the icing instructions provided by your physician in the post-operative instructions.
• Keep surgical dressing on for 48 hours and then change the bandage if instructed by your physician.
  • Keep incisions dry.
• Please follow the instructions regarding how to take medications provided by your physician in the post-operative instructions.
• Take pain medications with food and not on an empty stomach.
• Try to limit narcotic pain medications.
• Take a stool softener if you are requiring narcotic pain medication.
• Follow-up in the office per the post-operative instructions.

What NOT to do for the first 24 hours:

• Anesthesia can linger in your system for a day or more.  After anesthesia you will not have complete command of your abilities. It is very important that you:
  • Do not drive or operate heavy equipment
  • Do not take medication without your surgeon’s approval
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages
  • Do not sign any legal documents

Medications