Please take the following information into consideration
to make your recovery as easy as possible.
Recovery Room
After your operation, you may be taken directly back to your
room or you may be transported to the recovery room where other
patients may be recovering as well. You may hear noises from the
oxygen and suction machines. This is normal. Most
patients receive oxygen through a very small tube placed in the
nose. The tubing is not uncomfortable and the oxygen helps you to
breathe easier. If you were asleep, it helps you to wake up
faster.
Your blood pressure will be monitored frequently by your nurse.
This is standard procedure for all surgical patients. Your
physician or a nurse will stop in the waiting room to tell your
family of your progress after surgery and to let them know when you
are ready to go back to your room.
Some people may feel emotionally unsettled for a few days after
their surgery. These emotions may include feelings of depression,
anxiety or sadness. These are normal feelings.
However, if these feelings persist, you should discuss them with
your physician.
Speeding your recovery
Depending upon the type of surgery you've undergone, you may be
asked to get out of bed shortly after you return to your room. This
helps to maintain proper circulation and to promote clear
lungs.
It is very important that a nurse is with you the first
time you try to get out of bed. Moving may be hard at
first, but it helps speed your recovery. Some movements that you
can do include:
Deep Breathing - Inhale as deeply as possible
and hold for five to ten counts. Exhale normally. Repeat 5 times.
Deep breathing helps loosen and brings up lung secretions and
clears your head from the anesthesia The first day after your
surgery, it is important to do deep breathing several times every
hour when awake.
Leg, Feet and Arm Movements - Your nurse will
explain what kinds of movements you may do with your legs, feet and
arms. These movements help to relieve some of the soreness and
circulates your blood supply while you are lying down the first day
after surgery.
Going Home
After your physician gives you permission to leave, you may go
home. Your nurse will give you written directions specific to your
type of surgery for you to follow at home. If you have any
questions, you should contact your physician. If you are unable to
reach a physician and you feel that you need immediate medical
consultation, please call Lourdes Hospital's Emergency Department
at 607-798-5231.
For more information about Outpatient
Surgery, please call 607-798-5321.
