Summa St. Thomas Hospital: The Day of Your Surgery
When to Arrive
The nurse will instruct you regarding the time you should arrive at the hospital. Valet parking is available.
What to Wear
Wear simple, comfortable clothing. You will change into a hospital gown after you are admitted. Do not wear jewelry, including rings, body piercings and watches. Do not wear wigs, pins or clips in your hair. If you wear dentures, leave them in. Do not wear contact lenses. You may bring your glasses. Wear little or no make-up, and do not wear eye-makeup, false eyelashes or fingernail polish.
Answering Questions
The anesthetist and surgical staff will be on hand when you arrive in surgery, and your doctor will be available to talk with you if you have further questions.
Family Lounge
Your family members or friends can relax in our waiting area during your surgery. Vending machines and pay phones are available in the building for visitor convenience. Bring a sweater or light jacket for comfort.
Personal Belongings and Valuables
Whenever possible, valuables should be left at home or given to a family member or friend. Before your discharge, please collect all of your belongings. The Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center does not accept responsibility for lost or misplaced items.
Medication Safety
Taking your medication correctly during your hospital stay is an important part of your treatment. Sometimes taking different medications at the same time can cause problems. Your doctor and the hospital's pharmacists will carefully monitor your medicine use to avoid these problems. It is very important that you take only those medicines provided by the hospital's pharmacy and administered by your nurse.
Look at the medicine before you take it. If it does not look like what you usually take, then ask why. It is possible the medication looks different because it is a different brand or dosage. The nurs should explain the reason. Always ask.
Please bring your current medications in their original container labeled by your pharmacy and a list of over-the-counter and natural products. Day-by-day pill containers are not acceptable. The hospital staff will review your medications.
The hospital pharmacy will supply your medications during your stay. Taking the hospital-provided medication benefits you by delaying your next trip to the pharmacy for a refill. The remainder of your medications will be sent home with a family member. If you take any medication that is not routinely stocked, we will need to use your own supply. This will be placed in a secure location by the hospital staff and will be returned to you upon your discharge.
If you do bring your medications, because of insurance regulations, always give your medication to the nurse so they can be properly identified.
Recovery After Your Operation
Following your operation, we will transport you to the Recovery Area for continued care.
Length of Stay
Your time in the Recovery Area will depend on your type of surgery and anesthesia.
Informing Family
We will notify those waiting for you when you arrive in the Recovery Area, though visitors are not allowed in the Recovery Area.
Drinking Liquids
Liquids will be available for you following surgery.
Home-Going Instructions
When you are ready to be discharged, we will explain your home-going instructions and give you a printed copy to take home with you which will include your surgeon's phone number.
Effects from Anesthetics
If you have received a general anesthetic or sedation, the drugs and anesthetic you received will affect your body for the next 24 hours. You may feel lightheaded, dizzy or sleepy. These feelings will slowly wear off. Because the medication is still in your system, for the next 24 hours you cannot:
- Drive a car, operate machinery or power tools
- Drink any alcoholic beverages, including wine and beer
- Make important legal decisions or sign important legal papers
Activities
We recommend that you limit your activites for the remainder of the day of surgery. Moderate activity such as walking is permissible. Avoid strenuous activity, such as lifting heavy objects, pulling or bending. Do not engage in sports or heavy work until your doctor approves.
Help at Home
For your safety and protection, we strongly suggest that a responsible adult be with you the rest of the day and your first night at home. A safe, speedy and healthy recovery is our goal for you.