Preparing For & Recovering From Surgery
The Month Before Your Surgery
Generally, your surgeon will schedule your surgery at River Valley a few days or weeks in advance. There are various procedures which need to be completed before the day of surgery:
- The surgeon will need to complete a medical history and physical examination which tells us about your medical conditions. The surgeon may do this at the time you are seen in his or her office, or the surgeon may send you to your internist or primary physician.
- There are specific pre-operative testing requirements based on your medical history and your age. Any required testing will be completed prior to the day of surgery so that the results can be reviewed before you arrive at the center.
- You will also need to complete your medical information for our team to review at least 1 week prior to your surgery.
Some patients, especially our pediatric patients and families, may want a tour of the facility. We are happy to make you an appointment for your tour. Please call the facility at (860) 859-9948 to schedule the tour.
The Day Before Your Surgery
By this time, you will have received instructions pertaining to the night before your surgery. These instructions contain specific information about fasting and other guidelines to follow. You will need to call the center (860-859-9948) after 1 pm to confirm your arrival time for surgery. If you notice any recent change in your health, particularly fever or a cold, please notify your surgeon and River Valley as soon as possible.
Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation following sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements to be driven home by a family member or friend. If you will be given general anesthesia, please make arrangements for a companion to be with you for at least twelve hours after the surgery.
If the patient is a minor, at least one parent/guardian needs to remain on the premises at all times and must accompany the child home.
The Morning of Your Surgery
Remember…
- Arrive early or on time
- Do not wear makeup or nail polish
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
- Bring cases for eyeglasses, contacts and dentures
- Bring insurance ID cards, driver’s license and your co-payment
- Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home
- Bring your child’s favorite bottle or sippy cup
After Your Surgery
After surgery some patients are alert and oriented immediately, while others may take some time waking up. All of our patients go to our recovery room after surgery, where they will be carefully monitored by highly trained recovery room nurses. Light nourishment will be available. Family will be invited to the recovery room to join their loved one at the patient’s request. Once the patient is ready to be discharged they will be escorted to their car by our personnel with their discharge instructions.
Remember that it is your responsibility to arrange to have someone at home with you for at least the first night after your surgery. Recovering from surgery takes time – it is important to give your body time to rest and recover from your surgery and to follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions.
Remember to…
- Call your surgeon if you have any unusual symptoms or unexpected changes in your condition.
- Do not take any medications other than those prescribed by your physician.
- Avoid all alcoholic beverages.
- Do not drive or operate machinery or heavy equipment for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
- Avoid signing any legal documents for at least 24 hours after your surgery.