After Surgery

After surgery you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, where specially trained Recovery Room Nurses will care for you while you wake up. The Medical Staff will discharge you when they are assured that you are in stable condition. However, you could still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy or nauseated. These are possible and normal side effects of the anesthesia, and can last for 12-24 hours.

Follow any specific Discharge Instructions given by your physician regarding diet, rest, exercise and medication. These instructions are designed to aid in your recovery and prevent complications.

Following 12-24 hours after discharge:

• Contact your doctor's office if any problems occur after you arrive home
• Physician's telephone will be included on your Discharge Instructions

Wait at least 24-hours after you arrive home to:

• Drive
• Operate any equipment
• Sign any important papers
• Make any important decisions
• Drink any alcoholic beverages
• Take any medicine not prescribed or acknowledged by your surgeon

The next business day following your surgery one of our Recovery Room Nurses will call you at home to see how you are doing.

The staff at the Fairfax Surgical Center wishes you well in your recovery.