Operation

[flashpig]

So, I'm the 'companion' or whatever they call it for someone having an operation. Meet them at the hospital, bung them in a taxi, hang about with them for 12 hours is the gist of it I think. Sounds simple enough but, me being me, I have a few questions.

Apparently they can't smoke for 2 days before the operation because of the anaesthetic, but how soon will they be able to smoke afterwards? As soon as they're off hospital grounds? Should I buy them a pack of cigarettes (if they want to carry on smoking, that is) as I guess they don't sell them in the hospital?

They won't have eaten all day. Are they going to have a mighty appetite? Proper meal? Soup? Toast? Would a drink be okay? I'm assuming not, but would having a lager or glass of wine be fine?

Will they be drowsy? How long for? I guess I shouldn't let them play with my heavy machinery, but will they want some telly, a magazine, or just want to be left alone to sleep?

Would it be good to stock up on painkillers, or would those not be too healthy / not do anything?

I think that's it. Christ, with all these questions you'd think I was the surgeon.

[Golem]

Depends if they're having a lobotomy or ingrowing toenail removed.

What sort of operation is it?

[alijangra]

Yes I agree more info is required. If you could indicate what the operation is I may be able to help. I have worked in a day surgery unit, and I work in orthopaedic surgery at the moment so give discharge advice on a daily basis.

[flashpig]

Do you get knocked out for ingrowing toenails?

Gah, to tell you the truth I'd rather not say, if it was me I could, but it's my friend. I know the internet is anonymous to some extent, but someone might recognise me, my name or whatever, think "I haven't seen so and so today, Ah! So they're having this done!" and then I've gone and blabbed about it, and started gossip. A bit overdramatic and unlikely, but it's not my place to say.

But apparently it'll be about 15 minutes or some small amount of time. Then hours loitering about in hospital.

I guess you can't tell me anymore from these details. I was just wondering what if any anaesthetic is going to be still there and what effects it might have.

Sorry for not being any more help. I guess I'll find out any of what I need to find out at the time.

[alijangra]

Ok, well they will be able to smoke as soon as medical/nursing staff can allow them off the ward.

If its a general anaesthetic its possible they will feel quite sick afterwards, normally wouldnt be eating for a couple of hours afterwards and tea and toast would be a good start.

Everyone responds differently to anaesthetic, for such a short procedure they wont be put too far under so will recover quite quickly.

If the need for strong painkillers is anticipated then they will be given a supply, otherwise will be advised to take some paracetamol for discomfort.

I think a bit of r&r will be the best thing for afterwards. A nice relaxing bath maybe, but only if no wounds on the skin that is being submerged.

Any decent hospital dept will provide written aftercare advice on discharge, and are happy to answer an queries if you telephone if you have any worries or concerns once you get home.

[Lonnie]

A month ago, I had an operation for a torn cartilage of the knee, under a general anaesthetiic, wasn't allowed to eat or drink for telve hours before, and had to have someone pick me up after, the hospital gave me a light meal, scrambled eggs and toast, and drink almost as soon as I came round, smoking woulld have been allowed for when I left the hospital, I don't, but others who'd had a general did, with no ill effects.

[ronnie963]

i had aop on my finger and when i can round i wanted a fag the nurse said best wait anyway i didn't and went to the smoke room after a couple of drags a felt sick and this guy who was in there took me back to my bed and he had a broken leg and arm and one of those metal cages round his head and there i was with my finger bandaged and him helping me.

So i wouldn't advise the smoking soon after

[joko]

forget the ciggies, wait until they ask.

if you get stuck you can call the nhs helpline to double check the do's and don'ts so don't worry too much. the nurse should also give you any info you need before you leave - sometimes they have a printed checklist.

the helpline number will be in the start of your phone book