16
pain management, please call your surgeon's office. Do not wait until your pain is uncontrolled to seek
help.
Instructions for Post-Surgery Care at Home
Plan to Have Help after Your Hospital Stay
Before you have surgery, ask a friend or family member to
drive you home after you get out of the hospital.
If you live alone, you may need a family member or friend to
stay with you. They may attend your pre-surgery
appointments, support you during your recovery and return
home. They will help you monitor your healing, nutrition,
and physical activity.
If you don't have anyone to help after your surgery an
Optimal Aging by CareLinx from Providence can connect
you with trustworthy service providers who can lighten your
load. This program is for everyone regardless of age or health
care provider. Optimal Aging can help find assistance
whether you live in a house, apartment or retirement
community. For more information please visit
https://optimalaging.carelinx.com/ or call 1-800-377-1307.
Your Checklist for Going Home:
Before leaving the hospital, be sure you understand any special instructions from your care team, which
may include:
▪ Special activity restrictions.
▪ Medication and medical supply instructions.
▪ Changes or restrictions on what you can eat or drink.
▪ Wound care or dressing changes.
▪ Return or follow-up appointment information.
▪ Contact information for questions or concerns.
▪ Prescriptions for medications.
We will also:
▪ Ask you how you will get home from the hospital and who will be staying with you.
▪ Ask you to make sure you collect any belongings that have been stored with us.
Going home will depend on several factors such as:
▪ Your ability to eat solid food.
▪ You are off all IV fluids and are drinking liquids to stay hydrated.
▪ You are able to urinate.
▪ You do not have a fever.
▪ Your pain level is under control.
▪ You are able to move on your own.
Driving
Do not drive while taking pain medications and until approved by your surgeon.
