After your Operation
After Your Operation
You will be transferred from theatre to the recovery unit on a trolley after your operation. The nurse will assist you from the trolley into a comfortable chair and you will be given some refreshments. This will depend on the type of anaesthetic you have had.
The nurse in charge of the recovery unit will assess you when you are ready for discharge. You will then change back into your street clothes and your post-operative care will be discussed with you and the person taking you home.
Discharge
You will be discharged into the care of a responsible adult and will be given written post-operative instructions to take home.
This will include:
- Instructions for any new medications
- Pain relief after your operation
- Follow-up appointment details with your surgeon
- Emergency contact numbers
Following your procedure and administration of anaesthetic you may have impairment to your co-ordination and judgement for 24 hours.
Therefore, you MUST NOT drive a car, make decisions requiring your full mental awareness, operate machinery or drink alcohol.
Carer
It is QEH's strict policy that every patient has a carer. Patients will NOT be admitted for day surgery without a carer and no patient shall leave the premises unaccompanied.
An alternative to this are:
- Aynsley Bed and Breakfast, 14 Glanmire Street, Paddington telephone number (07) 3368 2250 offers post-operative accommodation;
- Fern Cottage Traditional B & B, 89 Fernberg Road, Paddington telephone number (07) 3511 6685
- Wesley House - Studio Apartments, 420 Milton Road, Auchenflower telephone (07) 3870 7713
When You Go Home
Usually you will have an appointment with your surgeon on the day following your operation.
It is very important you continue to use your eye drops as prescibed by your surgeon.
Allow yourself time to recovery and rest during the first 24 hours. You can resume normal eating and drinking on discharge.
Things to avoid during the first 24 hours:
- Driving until authorised by your surgeon
- Signing important documents
- Drinking alcohol and smoking
- Operating machinery
- Making important decisions
- Strenuous activity
- Looking after small children
