Recovery After Surgery

During check-out or discharge from St. Bernards Medical Center, your doctors and staff work together. Please be patient during this process. We understand your eagerness to return home.

1. Your doctor will advise you when you are ready to be discharged and will write orders directing the hospital staff to begin the discharge process.
2. Your nurse will act on your doctor's orders before discharge. You may need final tests or lab procedures before you leave. This process can take several hours.
3. Once you have been officially cleared for discharge, your nurse will remove your IV and other medical devices. We’ll discuss with you any physician instructions, such as follow-up visits and how to take medications.
4. Finally, we’ll help you to the door. You may not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Refer to your discharge instruction packet for follow-up.

All patients must have a ride home and should be received by a responsible adult when they arrive home. Patients may not drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or general anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.

Remember the BANDAIDS

BANDAIDS stands for:

• Bleeding and bandages – Depending on the procedure, some postsurgical bleeding can be normal. If you have unexpected bleeding, call the doctor’s number on your discharge papers.
• Activity – Go home and rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity. Don’t drive until your doctor says it’s OK.
• Nausea – If nausea and vomiting develop after you go home, stop eating and drinking for one hour. Then, begin with clear liquids and progress to soft foods as tolerated. If nausea and vomiting persist, call your doctor.
• Diet – Your first meal after surgery should be light, not greasy and not spicy. Advance to your usual diet as tolerated, unless your doctor says otherwise.
• Acceptable pain – Pain after surgery is expected. Our goal is to have your pain at an acceptable level, not pain-free. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication for home use that we’ll call into the pharmacy you choose.
• Infection prevention – Notify your doctor if you develop any signs of infection, such as a fever over 101 degrees, severe nausea and vomiting, uncontrolled or abnormal bleeding, drainage from the surgical site or uncontrolled pain. Follow discharge instructions carefully for incision care.
• Do not consume alcohol, operate heavy machinery, make legal decisions or drive for the next 24 hours.
• Scheduled follow-up appointment – If your surgeon orders a follow-up visit, we’ll schedule it before you leave the hospital. You’ll receive the surgeon’s office address and phone number. Some procedures don’t need follow-up care, and we’ll discuss that at discharge.