After
Your Surgery
After your surgery or procedure at The Orthopaedic and Spine Center of Southern Colorado, you will receive care in the post-anesthesia care unit. Nurses will closely monitor your recovery and let a family member know when they can join you in the post-anesthesia care unit.
In most cases, depending on your procedure, you will be ready to leave the center in 30 minutes to 2 hours following completion of your surgery.
Before you are discharged, your nurse will review your home care instructions with you and your family. A copy of these instructions will be sent home with you. The day after your surgery, a member of the surgery center staff will call to see how you are feeling.
Some general instructions for post-surgery patients:
- You are required to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Take it easy until your physician says you can return to your normal routine.
- It is natural to experience some discomfort in the area of the operation. You may also experience some drowsiness or dizziness depending on the type of anesthesia you receive or the amount of pain medication you are taking at home.
- Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or power tools, cook, drink alcoholic beverages, smoke, make legal decisions, or take any medications not prescribed by your physician for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
- The day after surgery, a member of the surgery center staff will call you to see how you are feeling.
- Contact your physician if you feel you are having problems after surgery.
- If you cannot contact your doctor but feel your concerns warrant a doctor’s attention, call or go to the emergency room closest to you.
Download: Instructions for After Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions