Recovery Area:
Once surgery is complete you will be taken to the recovery room. We will inform your family/caregiver when surgery is done and they will be able to join you in recovery once you are awake. Your surgeon will talk to them about the surgery and answer any questions they may have.
Pain Medications and Pain Control:
While you are in the surgery center, you will be asked to rate the intensity of pain you are experiencing through the use of a pain scale. A pain scale is a line numbered from 0 to 10, with each number representing a degree of pain.
Your surgeon will have ordered pain medications to help keep your pain at a tolerable level. Please feel free to communicate with your nurse if you are feeling discomfort or nausea, or if there is anything you need to make you feel more comfortable.
Prescription Medications:
Depending on your health history and current medications, you will be prescribed medications for pain control and/or the treatment of nausea. In addition, you will be placed on aspirin or an alternative anti-coagulant medication. Narcotic medications and the lack of normal activity may cause constipation. If constipation becomes a problem, even after the use of Colace and Milk of Magnesia, please report this to your surgeon.
Intravenous Fluids:
You will be provided with fluids through an intravenous tube.
Dressing:
You will have a waterproof bandage over your surgical area. This bandage will stay on for 3-5 days after surgery.
Urinary Catheter:
You may have a catheter inserted into your bladder during surgery to empty your bladder. The catheter will be removed at the completion of your procedure. This will allow time for your bladder to fill so that you can urinate on your own before discharge.
Physical Therapy:
Participating in physical therapy strongly influences your recovery. While you are in the center, you will receive physical therapy prior to discharge. The exercises you learned in the weeks before your surgery will be resumed by physical therapy. In the days following, you should progress to more advanced exercises and walking with the assistance of crutches or a walker. Your therapist will determine which of these is best for you.
For your safety, during your stay at our center it is very important that you do not get out of bed on your own or with family members. We do not want you to hurt yourself or fall. Our staff will assist you.