THE DAY OF YOUR SURGERY
1. PLAN TO WEAR LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING and shoes that slide on and off easily. A top that is easy to remove with either a front zipper closure or buttons works well. Pants with an elastic waistband are a good idea so they are not too snug, especially if you are having abdominal surgery.
2. DO NOT WEAR ANY MAKE-UP, JEWELLERY, OR BRING VALUABLES on the day of surgery. You may wear socks and your own underwear, for some procedures these may need to be exchanged in the operating room for a more surgically appropriate garment.
3. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO CHANGE INTO A GOWN. Your surgeon will mark the surgical site and your anaesthesiologist will have you sign a consent for anaesthesia. You will have the opportunity to ask any last-minute questions.
4. AN IV WILL BE STARTED IN YOUR HAND OR FOREARM in the pre-op area and a nurse will accompany you in the operating room throughout your surgery.
5. Some procedures may require you to have a catheter inserted in your bladder. This will be inserted AFTER you are asleep and removed before you wake up. If you are staying overnight, the catheter will be removed in the morning. You should be able to urinate normally within 6-8 hours after its removal.
6. YOU WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE RECOVERY ROOM ON A BED. Most patients are fully awake within 15-60 minutes after surgery. For day surgery cases you will be kept for a few hours and released when your vital signs are stable. A nurse will monitor you whilst you are recovering.
7. YOU AND A RESPONSIBLE FREIND/FAMILY MEMBER WILL BE GIVEN SPECIFIC DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS, necessary supplies, and post-op appointment instructions. Ask questions anytime.
8. MOST IMPORTANTLY, REMEMBER TO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Rest when you feel discomfort or fatigue. BE PATIENT with the healing process and remember you may have good and bad days.
