Important discharge instructions EVERY patient should understand:
- Bleeding: Depending on your surgery some post procedure bleeding CAN be normal. If you start to have unexpected bleeding call the physician. For uncontrolled bleeding dial 911.
- Activity: The patient is to go home and rest for the rest of the day, no heavy lifting, and strenuous activity.
- Nausea and Vomiting: If nausea and vomiting develops after going home STOP eating and drinking for one hour and use over the counter anti- nausea medication. After one hour start with clear liquids ONLY and progress diet as tolerated. If nausea and vomiting does not stop after this call the physician.
- Diet: To help prevent post procedure nausea and vomiting. The patient’s first meal after surgery should be light and non- greasy, or spicy and advance to diet prior to procedure as tolerated, unless otherwise specified by physician.
- Acceptable Pain Level: Pain after surgery is EXPECTED. Our goal is to have your pain at an ACCEPTABLE level; NOT PAIN FREE. Your doctor may prescribe you pain medication to take at home. Please follow those instructions. If pain medication has not been prescribed, use over the counter pain medication if allowed by your physician.
- Infection: Notify the physician if the patient develops any sign of in sign of infection such as fever, severe nausea and vomiting, uncontrolled or abnormal bleeding, green or yellow drainage, or uncontrolled pain.
- DON’T’s: You may receive anesthesia or procedural sedation, so for the next 24hrs do not consume alcohol, operate heavy machinery, make any legal decisions, or drive. Do not do any of these things while taking any prescribed narcotics.
Don’t forget your B.A.N.D.A.I.D today!