After Your Procedure
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.
Before Having Anesthesia
Before Having Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered by either physician anesthesiologists or certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) working under the supervision of the anesthesiologist.
There are risks involved in virtually any medical procedure, and anesthesia is no exception. Fortunately though, for most healthy people, complications are rare.
Before your surgery occurs, staff will want to become acquainted with you and obtain any needed medical information. This could include:
Special tests – Your health-care provider may order lab tests, X-rays or other screenings for you.
A pre-op interview – Before your surgery, you’ll meet with a pre-op testing nurse and an Anesthesia Department member to discuss anesthesia. The anesthesiologist’s job is to recommend a type of anesthetic which is safe for you, given your medical history.
Be prepared to talk about:
- any chronic medical conditions you might have, such as heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.
- prescription and over-the-counter medications; herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements; or any other remedies you use
- any allergic reactions you may have to medicines, latex (such as that used in gloves}, etc.
- your use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs. (What you say in a medical interview is confidential— it’s vital that you are honest about your habits, for your own safety when you undergo a medical procedure.)
If you are healthy you may not be required to come in for a pre-operative interview. Most of the information may be obtained over the phone. If that is the case, your anesthesiologist will meet with you on the day of your surgery.
Follow directions exactly before and on the day of your surgery, taking any necessary medications. It’s extremely important for you to follow these instructions carefully and exactly.
For further information, call Holyoke Medical Center’s pre-op testing nurse at 534-2505.
Effects of Anesthesia
Effects of Anesthesia
As anesthetics travel to your brain, you will start to feel numb. Sounds may seem louder. You may feel dizzy and drowsy, but you will lose consciousness quickly. Your body functions will slow down, including your breathing.
The anesthesia specialist:
- will monitor your heartbeat and other vital signs
- may use a ventilator to help you breathe.
Risk-to-Smokers
Risk-to-Smokers
If you are a smoker you are at a higher risk of complications from anesthesia. This is slightly dependent upon how long you have been smoking, the amount you smoke, any other underlying medical problems and the type of surgery being performed.
Known complications which may arise are decreased oxygen levels, airway irritability, wheezing and prolonged assistance on the ventilator.
Quitting just prior to surgery may have some beneficial short term effects on the aesthetic. Smoking cessation has some long term health benefits.
Please consult with your medical doctor if you would like assistance with smoking cessation.
Additionally, Holyoke Medical Center offers a free Quit Smoking Workshop. To learn more, contact Seneca Egan, RN, BS, BSN, Tobacco Cessation Specialist (413) 534-2789.