Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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When you are ready to be discharged, a responsible adult must collect you directly from the unit and accompany you home in a private car or taxi (public transport is not advisable).
General anaesthesia or sedation
If your procedure was under general anaesthetic or sedation, a responsible adult MUST stay with you for the first 24 hours.
During this time DO NOT:
- Drink any alcohol/take sleeping medication.
- Drive, cycle, or operate machinery.
- Make important decisions or sign legal documents.
- Look after young children or infirm relatives.
For further information, please read the anaesthesia information leaflet provided in your pre-operative assessment appointment or admission letter. Alternatively, this information can be found on the Royal College of Anaesthetists website
Managing your pain
The nurse will check that any pain you have is well controlled before you are discharged and will explain how to manage any pain.
Please take any analgesia regularly as prescribed or over the counter analgesia to maintain a constant level of pain relief.
General information
Please follow any specific instructions given at time of discharge. Unless instructed
otherwise, you may eat and drink normally as tolerated. Take regular periods of rest
between activities.
On leaving hospital you will be given
o Advice on caring for your wound and wound dressings.
o Prescribed medicines – for example analgesia or antibiotics.
o Advice about pressure stockings or injections to reduce blood clots.
o A copy of your discharge letter.
o Procedure specific information leaflets where indicated.
o Medicines helpline number for medicine advice (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm 0300 613 6751)
Follow up appointment
o Your surgeon would like to see you in ………………………...
o Appointment given.
o Appointment to be posted. Please contact DSU if not received.
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Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Acute medicine service.
About this information
Service:
Acute medicine
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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.