Patients
The recovery
Coming back home after a surgical procedure
Reminder :
You must be accompanied to leave the CMC, as well as during the first 24 hours after your departure. Medicines used during anesthesia and pain relievers can affect your senses and reflexes and cause drowsiness. You are strongly advised not to drive your vehicle for 72 hours after the surgery.
For the same reasons that apply to driving, you should defer any major decisions to another day. The anesthesia can also cause you to be more sensitive and irritable for a few days.
Before departing the cmc
The nursing staff will assess your condition according to certain criteria and plan your departure.
- You will receive your prescriptions including the required information.
- You will also receive personalized instruction from the nursing staff depending on the type of surgery received as well as an information document specific to your surgery.
- Finally, you can leave the CMC with your companion.
! If you have been hospitalized, your departure will be before 10 a.m. the next morning.
Resuming your regular medications
Unless your surgeon tells you otherwise, you can resume your usual medications as soon as you get home.
You should avoid taking medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®) for 15 days after surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Food
It is important to drink plenty of fluids to promote bowel and urine elimination, as some pain medications can cause constipation. We also recommend that you eat foods that contain fiber.
Personal hygiene
Take a bath or shower after your surgery as recommended by your surgeon.
Complications possibles, signes et symptômes
Infection of the wound:
- Redness
- Heat
- Discharge
- Swelling
- Pain
- Fever (over 38.5 C) and chills
Complications :
- Abundant bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Incapability of urinating
- Pain not manageable with the pain relievers prescribed by your surgeon
- Persistant nausea or vomiting
- Fever (over 38.5 C) and chills
These complications are rare but can occur. You can then either:
- contact your surgeon;
- go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital center; or
- dial 911.
Rest
Fatigue is normal after surgery. You will need to rest to ensure adequate recovery. However, resuming activities of daily living should be done as soon as possible and within your tolerance. Walking stimulates blood circulation to the legs and prevents blood from stagnating in your veins, which can cause blood clots (thrombophlebitis). A balance between rest and your activities is therefore essential.
Follow-up and appointment
It is important not to miss the follow-up appointment with your surgeon. This is a good time to discuss any lingering ailments, your worries, and when you should return to work.