It has been well documented that patients recover most successfully from surgical procdures if they can quickly become mobile and return to their home environment.  Therefore, once you are in stable condition and meet our discharge criteria, you will be discharged.  Most patients are discharged within 30 minutes to  one hour after surgery depending upon the type of procedure you had.  It is normal to experience sleepiness and dizziness for 12 to 24 hours after surgery.  If you have had sedation, refrain from driving or drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after surgery. 

Post Care
Follow your physician’s post operative instructions regarding diet, medication, rest, return visit and return to normal activities.  These instructions will be reviewed with you verbally and in a written format (please follow these instructions).  Your escort must be available to discuss and sign these instructions before you will be allowed to go home.  If you experience anything unusual after your surgery, please call your surgeon or go to the nearest emergency room.
Most patients will receive a call from a nurse at our center within a few days after your surgery to check on your recovery and answer any questions you may have.  Please be sure to leave a phone number that we can contact you at post operatively. 

Transportation
DO NOT PLAN TO DRIVE yourself home or use public transportation after your procedure.  A friend or relative or dedicated caregiver MUST stay with you for 24 hours.

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Overnight Care

23 Hour Recovery Care
Occasionally patients may be scheduled for overnight nursing care (a 23 hour stay) following their procedure (except Medicare patients).  This is a planned recovery care by your physician for some surgical procedures.  Arrangements are made with the center by the physician performing the procedure. You’ll appreciate the professional and personal care from our highly trained team.

What to Bring:

• Toiletries
• Contact lens case
• Other personal care items
• Routine medication in clearly labeled containers
• Laptop to view DVDs

Diet
Let us know if you have special dietary needs when we call to confirm your arrival time.

Visitors
One adult family member may stay until 9:00 PM with you. Please feel free to bring your own videotapes/DVDs.  The after hours phone # is 951-688-7270.  

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