Going Home
Be sure you both understand the instructions and your questions are answered. If you have questions, please ask. No question is a silly question. Make arrangements to have someone drive you home the day of your procedure.
The Nurses in Outpatient Surgical Department will:
- Make your follow-up doctor's appointment for you. (If needed)
- May give you a prescription to take to a pharmacy upon discharge.
- Give you something to drink before leaving.
Your family can be with you in Phase II post-anesthesia. You will go there after Phase I recovery (PACU) if you had a general anesthetic. Families cannot be in Phase I recovery with you.
You may come to the hospital as an outpatient (23 hour admission), but may still spend overnight in the hospital if your surgeon feels it is necessary.
The day after surgery, the outpatient surgical nurses will call you to see how you are feeling. If your surgery is on Friday, they will call you on Monday.
If you will need crutches, walking boots/shoe or other assistive devices after surgery, please coordinate this with your surgeon.
CALL YOUR SURGEON IF:
- You have a fever over 101°F (38°C).
- Your incision becomes more swollen, red or painful or has a foul discharge.
- Your incision bleeds a lot.
- Your incision opens. Lightly press a clean cloth to the incision to control bleeding.
- You feel too sleepy, dizzy or groggy (the medication may be too strong).
- You have pain an hour after taking pain medication (it may not be strong enough).
- You have side effects from your medication such as nausea, vomiting, redness a rash or itching.
Transportation
After your surgery you will need a ride home. If a friend or family member is not available to give you a ride home, below is an option. It is recommended to make arrangements prior to your procedure and also become informed if there are additional costs that may incur for their transportation services.
Henry County Public Transportation
1100 N. East St.
Kewanee, IL 61443
(309) 854-7433
