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After Your Procedure

You will be moved to a recovery area while the anesthesia wears off. You may be given medications to help you regain consciousness. Your hearing may return before you can open your eyes or talk. Your vital signs will be checked regularly to monitor your recovery.

You may have some side effects from the anesthetics:

  • local or regional—numbness, tingling, nausea, backache or headache
  • general—nausea, thirst, shivering, gas, temporary memory lapses, or a sore throat or jaw.

Be sure to tell your nurses if you are having any difficulty. Like everyone else at Holyoke Medical Center, they are there to help you.

  • You’ll be released from the recovery area when your anesthesia specialist is sure it is safe for you to go. 


Follow these precautions for at least 24 hours if you’re going home:

  • Don’t drive, operate machinery or make important decisions. Your coordination and judgment won’t be at their best.
  • Don’t smoke or take any medications, supplements or other remedies without discussing it with your health-care provider.
  • Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours after surgery or if you are still taking narcotic pain medications. The alcohol can negatively interact with the anesthetics still in your body.
  • Have someone stay with you.
  • Go easy! You need time to fully recover from your surgery.


Make sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your health-care provider or anesthesia specialist.

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