     
Once surgery is completed you go to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). This room is where you remain monitored by the PACU nurses until you regain consciousness and are in a stable condition.Your nurse will teach you and your family member or friend about your home care needs. He or she will give you written instructions. Once your family member or friend has learned the care, he or she may take you home. The nurse will give you the telephone number, please call with any questions or concerns.You are released from PACU once you are safely recovered from anesthiesia, symptom and as pain free as possible. You are then moved to either the inpatient unit or back to Ambulatory Surgery.
DIET:
Begin with a light diet and advance as tolerated unless otherwise instructed.
ACTIVITY:
No heavy lifting, pushing or pulling until seen by doctor.
No driving unless permitted by doctor.
Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. When sitting keep legs out straight not bent at knees.
Increased activity as tolerated.
Remember to cough and deep breath every two hours during waking hours.
NOTIFY DOCTOR OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Temperature of 101 or above.
- Increased or severe pain.
- Vomiting two or more times.
- Redness, swelling, pus or excessive bleeding from surgical site.
- Any difficulty breathing.
- Pain, swelling in lower legs.
If you had general anesthesia you may be drowsy today. Do not drive, operate machinery,
drink alcohol or sign legal documents for 24 hours.
If your doctor is not available and an emergency should arise, please call the Emergency or
Ambulatory Care Departments of St. Mary's Healthcare - 842-1900.
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