Aside from the necessity of getting a ride home, a friend or family member can prove invaluable following your procedure. In fact, many medical professionals recommend that another adult spends time with your for the 24 hours following a medical procedure that involves anesthesia. Ask someone close by saying something like, “What are you up to next Thursday? I’m having a medical procedure and I need someone to accompany me. If I schedule the procedure for the afternoon, would you be able to join me, and potentially sleep over at my place to make sure there aren’t any complications?”
Simply say something like, “What do you usually recommend for folks in my position?”; or, “What are my options if I can’t find a friend to accompany me?”
Ask the facility providing your procedure to provide you with a list of agencies that provide these services.
While facility staff will likely offer you information on your procedure without prompting, make sure you know whether the procedure was as successful as expected. For more information, ask questions like, “Did the procedure have any immediate effects on my condition?” Don’t be concerned about grogginess or nausea. If you feel hazy, groggy, or nauseous after your procedure, don’t worry. This is entirely normal, and it’s partly why many facilities require another adult to accompany you and ensure you get home safe. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Most importantly, make sure that you have written information about any ongoing treatment that will be administered at home, such as pain medication you may need to take during recovery. Ask whoever accompanied you to take detailed notes, especially with regards to any directions, warnings, or recommendations the medical staff provide.
Information you want to make sure you have include who to call if you have concerns once you’re home, what you should or shouldn’t be doing on your own, and how much pain or other side effects you can expect. Good questions to ask include, “How quickly should I expect certain side effects to subside?”; and “How long before I will feel like my old self again?”
Written guidance on how to care for any wounds associated with the procedure, and the types and dosages of painkillers you should use, if needed. A list of any equipment you need to care for yourself at home, such as bandages, splints, or crutches.
Ensure you have any personal items, including food, that you’ll need for the duration of your likely recovery period. Don’t forget things like soap, shampoo, and other bathroom essentials. In addition to the supplies and medication prescribed by your doctor, get anything else that may help you recover as well. For instance, items such as icy hot can help soothe sore muscles. Just be sure that whatever you use is safe following your procedure. Your recovery time frame is important. For instance, if you’re expected to need a day or two to recover, prepare for three days just in case. If your recovery time may be a week, you’ll need to stock your home more carefully.
If your bedroom is upstairs, and you’ve been advised against using the stairs after your procedure, consider preparing and stocking a room on a lower floor.
A sponge on a long handle to wash yourself more easily in the shower. A shoe horn with a long handle to help put on and take off your shoes. A mechanical grabbing arm to reach things without moving or stretching.
Add non-slip mats or decals to the bottom of your tub or shower. Use a bathmat that has a non-skid surface on the bottom. Place items in the shower where you will easily be able to reach them. In some cases, things like support bars or shower chairs may be necessary to use the toilet or shower safely.
