Frequently Asked Questions

What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for Surgery?

You will have a pre-surgical appointment where your medical history will be reviewed, you will discuss any tests needed prior to receiving surgery, review any medications you are currently taking, etc.  You will also be given information on how to prepare your home for your return from surgery. 

Where Do I Stay After I Have Surgery?

After your surgery, you will be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), also called Recovery. A nurse will be by your side as you awake from surgery.  The nurse will check your vital signs and ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 0-10.  You will stay in the PACU until your pain is under control and your vital signs stable.  A nurse will remain in the room with you while you are in the PACU, typically 1-2 hours.  When you are ready to be taken to your room, your family will be allowed to join you. 
 

 

Do I Go Home When Being Discharged
or to Rehabilitation?

You should expect to go directly home upon your discharge.  Your discharge depends on the type of surgery you have had and your progress on recovery. For your safety, you will have to meet certain requirements before you will be discharged from the hospital, for example:

• Your pain is managed with oral medication or other pain relief options
• You are able to walk and safely perform transfers (bed to standing, sitting to standing, bathing, etc.)
• Your physician and care team grant you clearance for discharge
• You are able to have bowel movements
• You are able to keep down food and liquids

If you are unable to meet the above requirements, a rehabilitation facility may be the best option.  You can discuss this option with your healthcare team.

What Should I Avoid After Discharge?

No driving – wait for instructions from your doctor

• No smoking- it slows circulation and healing
• No soft or low chairs, sofas, rockers or waterbeds, they are hard to get out of
• No BLTs (Bending, Lifting or Twisting)