Your Recovery

Following your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area. Since anesthesia wears off differently with each person, the length of stay in the recovery room varies with each patient. You can expect to be in the recovery room at least one hour.

During recovery:

  • A nurse will check on you, your blood pressure, and any swelling or drainage around the surgery area.
  • Let the nurse know if you are having any pain, so you can be given pain-relief medication.
  • You may have a mask with oxygen and a mist to help your body get rid of the anesthesia.
  • You may have a tube in your mouth to help you breathe.
  • The IV may still be in your arm to deliver medications, if needed.
  • In special cases, you may be wearing compression stockings on your lower legs to maintain good circulation. The stockings will gently squeeze your legs to help the blood return to your heart.
  • Your throat may be sore and you may feel a little woozy, tired and nauseous. These are normal side effects of the anesthetic that will gradually wear off.
  • Unless you are told not to, try to cough and breathe deeply to rid your body of the anesthesia.

Outpatient Recovery

If you are going home the same day as surgery, toward the end of recovery, you will be allowed to sit up and drink fluids such as tea, soda or broth. Sluggish digestion, gas pains or other discomfort after surgery are normal and not cause for alarm.

You will be able to leave when you can take fluids, walk a few steps and go to the bathroom. Your family or friends should be with you when the nurse gives you special instructions. Someone will be required to drive you home and to stay with you for the next 24 hours.

Inpatient Recovery

If you are staying overnight, you will be moved to a hospital or recovery center room once you are ready. The nursing staff will continue to care for you and check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and temperature based on the level of care you need, the type of surgery you have had, and your surgeon's orders. Your activity and diet will be increased gradually based on your progress.