After Surgery

After surgery, you will recover for a short period of time in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Though friends and family are not allowed in the Unit, the surgeon will speak to your loved ones as soon as possible to let them know how the surgery went and what to expect next.

If you are having outpatient surgery we will bring you together with your family when you are ready to go home and review all post operative care instructions with them. For patients recovering overnight we will provide your family with your room number as soon as it is available and they can wait there for you.

Managing Your Pain
We know that you may not be feeling well after surgery. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible. Your nurse will ask you to help "measure" your pain, , as well as to explain where it hurts and what it feels like. Based on your input, your doctor and nurse will administer pain therapy, so it is important to respond honestly.

Leaving the Hospital After Surgery

Your recovery room nurse will not discharge you to go home until we are confident have met all of our patient safety criteria. When you are deemed stable enough to go home, a responsible adult needs to remain with you in the event you have any adverse reactions or incidents as your anesthesia wears off.

We will provide your caregiver with post-operative care instructions, as well as any prescriptions.

Getting Through Your First Day Home
Once you're home, remember that you've just undergone surgery. You will undoubtedly have things that need to be done or that you want to do. Don't push yourself! Your body will tell you when you're doing too much too soon.

Here are some tips to help get you through your first day home and beyond:

  • Review your discharge instructions. If you had anesthesia or pain medication, you probably won't remember what your nurse or surgeon told you. Call your doctor with any questions.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help
    • Arrange in advance to have family or friends bring meals for the first few days you're home.
    • Ask for help doing your household chores.
    • Ask a friend or neighbor to care for your pets
  • Keep a piece of paper by your medication bottles to track when you took the medication and the dosage.
  • Notify your doctor if you have any signs of infection at your incision site.

We will call you within a few days after surgery to see how you are doing, provide an opportunity to ask questions and evaluate your surgical experience.

Learn More About Post-Surgical Care at Mercy Gilbert

If you have questions or concerns about what to expect after surgery, please call (480) 728-7140.