Before you go home, you will be given discharge instructions. Ask a family member or friend to listen to these instructions with you and plan to have someone stay with you for at least 24 hours after your procedure. That way, he or she can help you during recovery. Please note that you can only use public transportation after discharge if a responsible adult is accompanying you home.

Things you should ask:

Before you leave, make sure all your questions are answered. Your discharge instructions may answer most of your questions. If you have additional questions after arriving home, call your physician’s office. The telephone number will be listed on your discharge instructions. Be sure to ask about the following:

• Bathing and showering
• Diet – what to eat, what to avoid
• Driving
• Incision and dressing care
• Medications – dosages and when to take
• Pain control – what to expect, what to do
• Physical activity
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Resuming sexual relations
• Returning to work
• Signs of infection

A follow-up visit will need to be scheduled with your surgeon. Information on this will be listed on your discharge instructions. Bring a list of your questions or concerns to this visit.