Unless otherwise instructed, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day prior to your surgery. If you have been instructed to take certain medication, take it with only a sip of water. Do not chew gum, use breath mints or hard candies, or smoke after midnight.
No, you must arrange for someone to drive you home on the day of your surgery. During surgery, you are given medication and/or anesthesia that will make you drowsy that day and perhaps the day after.It is imperative that you do not drive, operate any power tools or machinery, or make important decisions until 24 hours after your surgery. Spend the rest of the day taking it easy and resting.
As you wake up from anesthesia, you will be asked multiple times about your pain. There are numerous ways the nurses will address this pain, including IV and oral pain medication. Pain medications are ordered by your physician specific to your procedure and needs. The surgeon will send a prescription for pain medicine home with you. It is important to take the medication as prescribed and maintain awareness of your pain for the next 24 – 48 hours.
After your procedure, you will be moved to our recovery area. When you are fully awake, your family will be able to join you. Until then, your family is welcome to wait for you in our comfortable waiting area.
Your bill from Houston Physicians’ Hospital covers the use of this facility only. It does not include professional fees charged by physicians for laboratory, pathology, radiology, medical care, surgery, or anesthesiology.
The most common pain medications are:
- Adjuvant pain medications, including: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxers.
- Opiates or “pain killers” used to treat acute, chronic, or cancer-related pain.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs that alleviate pain by reducing swelling and irritation.
Anesthetics are administered by contracted anesthesia providers, which include anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) who work closely together in providing you with the highest level of care.
Yes. On the day of surgery your anesthesia provider will sit down with you and review your medical history, and explain their plan for your care. You will have the opportunity to have all of your questions or concerns addressed at that time. Please contact the hospital’s admissions nurse if you have concerns that need to be addressed prior to the day of surgery. (281) 557-5881
No. The physicians and other specialized medical service providers, including anesthesia, radiology or pathology, which use this hospital, are independent contractors and are not employed by the hospital. Since they are independent contractors, the hospital is not responsible or liable for their acts or omissions.