The Day of Your SurgeryPlease be sure to follow all preoperative instructions.
Arriving at RMHDepending on the procedure you're having, you'll need to enter RMH either at the Outpatient Center or through the main hospital entrance. You will be told which entrance to use during your pre-operative interview. If arriving through the Outpatient Center, the person who escorts you to the hospital may let you out at the Outpatient Center entrance and park in Lot G. You'll need to check in at the registration desk. If arriving through the main hospital entrance, your escort may drop you off at the entrance and park in Lot A. You'll need to check in at the registration desk.
The day of your surgery, please:- Review your preoperative instructions for the medications you need to take. Take your medications on the morning of your procedure as directed by your doctor or nurse with just enough water to swallow.
- Bring your insurance and prescription cards with you. You may also want to bring money for prescription co-payment if you plan to have your prescriptions filled while you are here.
- Bring any special medical equipment from home that you may need (i.e. CPAP mask, crutches, walker).
- Bathe or shower before you leave home. Depending on the procedure, some patients will be given a special antibacterial soap by their surgeon.
- Brush your teeth without swallowing water.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
- Bring your glasses and/or contact lenses case.
- Remove all jewelry before arriving at the hospital, including wedding rings, hair clips, pins and all body piercings.
- Please remove makeup, including lipstick, and nail polish prior to arrival.
- Do not bring a large suitcase, jewelry or valuables of any kind such as money, credit cards, etc. You may want to have your family member carry any cash necessary for prescriptions, if you plan to get them filled at the hospital.
- Bring your "Preparing for your Surgery" folder with you.
In the preoperative area, you will:- Change into a hospital gown and cap. We will supply you with a plastic bag for your clothes. Your family will need to be responsible for your belongings.
- Speak with a nurse who will check your vital signs and review your medical history.
- Have an intravenous line (IV) started so we can give you fluid and medications during and after your operation.
- Be taken from the preoperative area to the operating room on a stretcher or bed by an operating room transporter. Please let your pre-op nurse know of any special needs. Your family will receive instructions on where to wait while you are in surgery.
Anesthesia CarePrior to surgery, you will talk with the anesthesiologist who will be caring for you during surgery. The anesthesiologist will discuss the anesthetic plan with you and answer any questions you have.
After Your SurgeryInitial Care:You will be taken to a postanesthesia care (recovery) unit where:
- A nurse will connect you to a cardiac monitor and check your vital signs;
- You may receive oxygen until you are awake;
- Warm blankets will be provided;
- Medication will be provided if you are having discomfort or nausea.
Once you are stable and comfortable, you will be transferred to post-op or to an inpatient bed. While you are in recovery, your physician will update your family or companion regarding your status. One visitor will be allowed to see you after you are awake.
Outpatient Surgery Post-OpIf you are a one-day surgical patient, the amount of time you need to stay in post-op after your operation varies, depending on the type of operation, anesthetic and your medical history. Before you are discharged, you will:
- Be given your choice of water, juice or a soft drink;
- Get up and walk a short distance, unless your operation or medical condition prevents you from walking;
- Be given a discharge instruction sheet;
- Be given any prescriptions your doctor wants you to take home;
- Be instructed regarding follow-up care;
- Be assisted to your vehicle if necessary.
If you are going home after surgery, you must have a responsible adult companion drive you home. You cannot drive yourself home after your operation. A bus or cab is not acceptable unless someone you know is with you. It is required that a responsible adult remain with you for 24 hours after your surgery.
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