Anesthesia: After Your Surgery

Stay on schedule with your medication.

Going Home

Your doctor or nurse will show you how to take care of yourself when you go home. He or she will also answer your questions. Have an adult family member or friend drive you home. For the first 24 hours after your surgery:

• Do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Do not make important decisions or sign documents.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Have someone stay with you, if possible. They can watch for problems and help keep you safe.

Be sure to keep all follow-up doctor’s appointments. And rest after your procedure for as long as your doctor tells you to.

Coping with Pain

If you have pain after surgery, pain medication will help you feel better. Take it as directed, before pain becomes severe. Also, ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to control pain, such as with heat, ice, and relaxation. And follow any other instructions your surgeon or nurse gives you.

Tips for Taking Pain Medication

To get the best relief possible, remember these points:

• Pain medications can upset your stomach. Taking them with a little food may help.

• Most pain relievers taken by mouth need at least 20 to 30 minutes to take effect.

• Taking medication on a schedule can help you remember to take it. Try to time your medication so that you can take it before beginning an activity, such as dressing, walking, or sitting down for dinner.

• Constipation is a common side effect of pain medications. Drink lots of fluids. Eating fruit and vegetables can also help. Don’t take laxatives unless your surgeon has prescribed them.

• Mixing alcohol and pain medication can cause dizziness and slow your breathing. It can even be fatal. Don’t drink alcohol while taking pain medication.

• Pain medication can slow your reflexes. Don’t drive or operate machinery while taking pain medication.

Managing Nausea

Some people have an upset stomach after surgery. This is often due to anesthesia, pain, pain medications, or the stress of surgery. The following tips will help you manage nausea and get good nutrition as you recover. If you were on a special diet before surgery, ask your doctor if you should follow it during recovery. These tips may help:

• Don’t push yourself to eat. Your body will tell you what to eat and when.

• Start off with liquids and soup. They are easier to digest.

• Progress to semisolids (mashed potatoes, applesauce, and gelatin) as you feel ready.

• Slowly move to solid foods. Don’t eat fatty, rich, or spicy foods at first.

• Don’t force yourself to have three large meals a day. Instead, eat smaller amounts more often.

• Take pain medications with a small amount of solid food, such as crackers or toast.

Call Your Surgeon If… You still have pain an hour after taking medication (it may not be strong enough). You feel too sleepy, dizzy, or groggy (medication may be too strong). You have side effects like nausea, vomiting, or skin changes (rash, itching, or hives).