Recovering from your operation or procedure

This section provides you with information to help you understand more about your recovery from an operation or procedure.

General anaesthetic

Although you may feel that you are back to normal quite quickly after your operation, the anaesthetic medicines can affect your reactions and co-ordination for up to 48 hours.

If this happens to you, drink plenty of fluid (a glass or a cupful every hour if you can) and eat small amounts of light, easily digested food until the following day. Avoid rich, heavy or spicy meals. Remember not to drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. You may feel rather tired and lethargic for up to a week following your admission. Do not worry if this happens to you as it is quite normal, but do consider this possibility when you are thinking of returning to work.

If you are going home within 48 hours of your surgery, you must be accompanied home by a responsible adult.

For at least the first 24 hours following the procedure you should ensure that a responsible adult is with you and that you are not caring for anyone else.

Non-urgent advice: Important

When you return home and for at least 48 hours after your operation:

You must not drive (you may not be covered by your insurance if you have an accident).
You must not ride a bicycle.
You must not operate machinery (including cookers, irons and other domestic appliances).
You must not sign any important documents.
You must not return to work.

Wound care/dressing and district nurse visits

All wounds progress through several stages of healing and you will be able to see changes yourself as time progresses. The following are frequently experienced:

sensations such as tingling, numbness or itching
a slightly hard lumpy feeling as the new tissue forms
slight pulling around the stitches as the wound heals

If you require district nurse help, the ward will send a referral. The relevant district nursing team will contact you directly to make an appointment. Generally, they will provide all dressing supplies, unless you have been advised otherwise by your ward team.

Movement

You will be advised if specific exercises are needed to aid your recovery. An appointment will be made for you to return for physiotherapy if necessary, or for a physiotherapist to visit you at home if attending the hospital is not possible. Until you are fully recovered, you may find that household jobs are tiring and cause discomfort. It may be useful if help is available from relatives or friends for a week or two. Otherwise, take steps to reduce the strain, such as sitting down to do the ironing or washing up.

Work

Returning to work depends on both the type of treatment you have had and the nature of your job. It is advisable to feel completely recovered before returning to work, particularly if you have an active job. Many people feel tired and find concentrating difficult to start with.

Driving

The time when it is safe to drive again will vary, depending on the treatment you have had. Ask your surgeon for specific advice and remember, should you have an accident you may not be covered by your insurance if you drive when it is not safe to do so. Your movement and strength must be up to coping with an emergency stop as well as normal driving.

Sexual activity

You may resume your usual sexual relationships once you feel comfortable to do so. However, if your operation is related to this area of the body, specific advice will be given by your nurse. If you have any concerns about resuming your usual method of contraception, especially if you are on the pill, please ask for advice.

Bowels

Changes in diet, activity, and the use of some pain-relieving medicines can lead to irregular bowel habits, but this usually returns to normal with time. Straining can be uncomfortable, particularly after rectal surgery, and it may be helpful to take a mild laxative. If you are in any doubt about this, please ask for further advice.

Sleeping

Difficulties in sleeping can be caused by changes in your normal routine and restricted movements. Some people are awakened by pain, which is caused by sudden movement. If this does occur, it may be helpful to take a pain-relieving medication before bedtime.

What to do if you have a complication after discharge

If you have a medical complication (please ask your doctor about the type of possible complications related to your treatment) within 24 to 48 hours of your treatment, call the number given to you by the ward staff when you were discharged. If you have a medical complication after 48 hours, please call your GP. Naturally, if you feel it’s an emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

Non-urgent advice: Contacting your GP

Information will be sent to your GP when you leave the hospital to explain the treatment you have received. This is to assist the doctor should you need to consult them. If any of the following occur, contact your GP:

the amount of pain around your wound increases.
the amount of redness and/or swelling increases.
there is any unexpected discharge/bleeding from your wound.
In an emergency, attend your nearest Emergency Department, calling an ambulance if necessary.