What to Expect After Surgery
After an operation, patients are taken to the recovery room, where
nurses care for them until they are ready to be discharged. When
patients are ready to go home, they will get dressed and be escorted
to family and friends in the waiting room. It takes 24 hours after a surgery or a procedure for a patient's reflexes to fully recover, therefore it is important that:
- Patients do not drive after a surgery or procedure. Arrangements should be made with a family member or a friend for transportation home.
- Patients refrain from making important decisions or signing important papers.
- Also it is strongly suggested that patients have someone stay with them for the first 24 hours after surgery or a procedure as anesthesia may cause the patient to remain sleepy and at times dizzy.
Explanation on home care will be given: Patients will receive
written and verbal instructions for their care at home, their medications
and making a follow-up appointment with their doctor. If a patient
does not understand any of this information, the staff at Enloe
Medical Center will be happy to provide an explanation.
What Happens After Going Home?
Checking in on you: A nurse will call a day or
so after surgery to check in on the patient's progress and any answer
questions.
Home care is an option: Enloe is prepared to provide
care for patients after their hospital stay, too. Physicians may
prescribe nursing services, social work counseling or rehabilitation
in conjunction with home health
aides upon discharge. A discharge planner will help coordinate the
care and resources that patients may require after their hospital
stay.
For more information about surgery, patients should contact
their physician or call Enloe Medical Center at 530.332.7300.
|
