Your Operation ... The First Step on the Road to Recovery

     Sometimes, having an operation is your best chance for better health. Today, surgery is safer than ever. Thanks to new technology and methods, today's operations are: safer, simpler and more successful than ever!

     There are more types of surgery than ever, too. Depending on what kind of operation you need, you may:
          - have the operation and go home the same day,
          - arrive at the hospital the day of the operation and stay one or more nights. (In some cases you may be admitted for tests one or two days before surgery.)

- Have any needed tests.
     These may include:

• blood tests,
• a urine test,
• chest x-rays to check your lungs,
• an electrocardiogram (EKG), a special test to check your heart.

On the day of your operation…

Get ready at home.
          - Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for eating, drinking and taking medications.
          - Don't wear makeup, nail polish or jewelry. Leave valuables at home, including money and credit cards.
          - Bring a case for glasses, contact lenses or dentures, if you wear them.
          - Bring insurance information and important documents, such as a living will.
          - Bring a list of current medications (and dosages) and any allergies.

Check in. There, you will need to:
          - Sign necessary forms.
          - Put on an ID bracelet, hospital gown and cap. You may need to wear special stockings.
          - Empty your bladder and bowels.

You will be prepared for surgery. A member of your healthcare team may:
          - Check your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, etc.
          - Give you medication, to help you relax or fall asleep.
          - Clean the surgical site. This, in some cases, may include shaving.
          - Attach intravenous tubing to provide needed fluids.

You will be moved to the operating room (OR). In the OR:
          - The lights may be bright. The room may feel cool.
          - The room may feel cool.
          - You will be moved to a narrow bed. A strap will keep you in place.
          - Monitors will be placed on your body to check your vital signs.

You will be given anesthesia, and there are several different kinds:
       General anesthesia affects your entire body. You'll be given oxygen during general anesthesia through a mask or a tube. General anesthesia may be given intravenously or inhaled.

     Regional anesthesia affects a section of your body. You remain awake during the surgery. Regional anesthesia is injected to numb: a limb, the lower half of your body, or one side of your body.

     Local anesthesia affects only the surgical site. Local anesthesia may be: injected or applied as a cream, spray or drop

After your operation, you'll be moved to the recovery area.
    You will stay in the recovery area until the anesthesia wears off.

You may have side effects. Depending on the type of anesthesia you had, you may experience: numbness or tingling, backache or headache, nausea or gas, shivering, a sore throat or jaw, and/or thirst.

Be sure to report any pain or discomfort.
     It's normal to feel uncomfortable after surgery. But, any discomfort can be treated and getting treatment for pain and discomfort can help speed your recovery.

     Tubing may be attached to your body. This may be needed to: provide fluids and oxygen, remove stomach gases, remove urine, or drain fluid from the incision.

In the recovery area, your health-care provider may:
           - Check your vital signs frequently.
      You'll be closely monitored. You will be moved from the recovery area as soon as you're ready.
          
           - Ask you to do special exercises.
      These exercises can help prevent complications and speed recovery. They may include:

• deep breathing
• coughing
• turning in bed and moving your arms and legs

Give you instructions for self-care after surgery.
      Talk to your healthcare provider about:
          - discomfort and pain medication,
          - how to care for your incision,
          - when you can resume usual activities,
          - possible complications,
          - follow-up appointments.

Ask you to take it easy.
      Take precautions for at least 24 hours after surgery:
          - Have someone stay with you.
          - Don't drive, operate heavy machinery or make important decisions.
          - Don't use alcohol or other drugs or medications without your health-care provider's permission.

     If you have any questions, please call (573) 472-7349.