Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1256336
62 you the pain scale to better assess your pain level. We will need you to work through the pain for the best post-surgery results. QUEST IONS REGA RDING ANESTHESIA AND YOU WHAT TYPES OF ANE S TH ESIA A RE AVA ILA BL E? Decisions regarding your anesthesia will be tailored to your personal needs. The types available for you are: General anesthesia provides loss of consciousness, without any memory of the operation. This is done with intravenous medications, inhalation gases, or both. Regional anesthesia involves the injection of a local anesthetic to provide numbness, loss of pain, or loss of sensation to a large region of the body. Regional anesthetic techniques include spinal blocks, epidural blocks, and arm and leg blocks. Medications may also be given to make you drowsy and blur your memory. WILL I HAVE S IDE EFF ECTS? Your anesthesiologist will review your anesthesia history and discuss the risks and benefits associated with the different anesthetic options as well as any complications or side effects that can occur with each type of anesthetic. Most commonly, nausea or vomiting may be related to anesthesia or the type of surgical procedure. Although less of a problem today because of improved anesthetic agents and techniques, these side effects continue to occur for some patients. Medications to treat nausea and vomiting will be given if needed. WHAT CAN I EXPECT AF TER THE OPERAT ION? After surgery, you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where specially trained nurses will watch you closely. During this period, you may be given extra oxygen and your breathing and heart functions will have your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature) observed closely. QUEST IONS F OR AFTE R SURGE RY AND YOUR HOS PITAL ST AY WHEN WIL L I STA RT MO VING AFTE R SURG ERY? Under normal circumstances, you will get out of bed and walk on the day of your surgery with your joint team or physical therapist. The next morning you will begin a more active routine that includes short, frequent walks and sitting up in the chair, including meals. Please refer to exercises in the appendix.