Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Sickness or nausea (feeling as if you are going to be sick) can be due to medication, treatment, infection or emotional upset. Nausea often occurs in phases, during which time you may find the following advice helpful:
Keep your fluid intake up to prevent dehydration:
- Clear, cold drinks may be easier to tolerate
- Try sipping fizzy drinks such as soda water, ginger beer or lemonade
- Sipping slowly, using a straw may be helpful
- Solid fluids such as sorbet or jelly may be easier to manage
- Herbal, ginger or peppermint tea may soothe an upset stomach
Foods to try:
- Dry foods such as toast, crackers, biscuits, scone or teacake
- Salty foods such as plain crisps or peanuts (unless your mouth is sore)
- Sandwiches with a plain filling such as lean meat
- Foods containing ginger, such as ginger biscuits or cake
- Ice cream, fruit sorbets, jelly or milk puddings
- Light meals such as plain poultry, meat or fish with boiled potatoes, rice or pasta
- Try eating small pieces of fresh fruit – this can be refreshing
Tips:
- Have 5 or 6 small meals each day instead of 3 large meals as these may be more manageable. Nausea may also become worse when the stomach is empty, so regular food can help
- If you feel sick in the morning, try eating a cracker or a dry biscuit before getting out of bed
- Eat slowly and relax after meals but avoid lying flat for at least 30 minutes after food
- Try not to drink with meals. Instead have a drink half an hour before or after eating
- A short walk in the fresh air before eating may reduce nausea. Fresh air also helps to stimulate the appetite
- Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes
- Some people find that lightly spiced or rich, fatty foods can make nausea worse. Avoid them if they do
- Some people find that the smell of cooking increases nausea. If so you could try cold foods, such as sandwiches, cold meats or chilled desserts such as yoghurts and mousses These tend to have less of an aroma. Microwave cooking produces less odour, so microwaving food or keeping ready meals in stock can be useful
- Try to eat in a well-ventilated room
- Friends or relatives may be able to help with food preparation
Your doctor can provide anti-sickness (anti-emetic) tablets if your symptoms persist. Make sure you take these at least 30mins before eating.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.
About this information
Service:
Dietetics
Reference:
HH/006
Approval date:
1 November 2025
Review date:
1 November 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.