Your Recovery

Getting Well

Our priority is getting you well and able to enjoy the activities you love. Here is what you can expect when you are recovering from your surgery.

After your surgery is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room where a nurse will:

It depends on the type of anesthesia you received and how you are feeling. Here are some typical time frames:

Your nurse will ask about your pain level; there will be a scale intended to help you rate your pain.
Discomfort after surgery is normal.
You can expect to have your pain managed to a tolerable level, but you may not be completely pain-free.
Your recovery room nurse will work with you to keep you comfortable with medications, positioning, ice, etc.
Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to take at home.

Take it as prescribed only.
Do not drink alcohol while taking pain medication.
Do not drive until you know how the medication affects you.
If ordered by your physician, you may take stool softeners to prevent constipation caused by pain medicine and anesthesia.
Store medications in a secure place away from children or pets.
Do not share medications.
Discard unused medications safely through your pharmacy. Henry Mayo has a medication disposal receptacle in the main hospital entrance. Pharmacies can also take unused medications. Do not flush them down the toilet.

Please refer to your Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Discharge Instructions.

Certain surgical procedures may require regional anesthesia (numbing a specific part of the body) that will provide pain control up to a few hours after surgery.
When the numbness wears off, you may feel pain or discomfort. This is normal.
Take your pain medication as prescribed.

Unusual pain or pain not relieved with your medication
Excessive bleeding or drainage
Excessive or continuous nausea or vomiting
Inability to urinate
Numbness, swelling, tingling, or blueness to extremities
If you have any questions or concerns
Signs of infection:
- Fever >101 F
- Operative site has redness, hardness, swelling, warmth, pus discharge, foul odor