Before procedure instructions

• Please call your physician if you develop a cold, flu or chest infection.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure unless otherwise instructed by your physician. We may need to reschedule your procedure if you eat or drink. When you brush your teeth in the morning, don’t swallow any water.
• Please do not take oral medications on the day of your procedure unless otherwise instructed by your physician. A sip of water can be taken if medication is necessary.
• Remove make-up and nail polish. They interfere with your natural coloring which physicians need to observe during your procedure.
• Leave jewelry and valuables, such as credit cards and money, at home.
• For patients requiring an overnight stay, remember to bring in personal items such as pajamas, slippers, and toothpaste. Your family will keep your clothes and other belongings until you are assigned a bed.
• For patients going home the same day, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing the day of the procedure.
• If crutches/walkers are needed, please bring them with you.
• Bring the admissions paperwork and give it to the receptionist in Pre-Admission Services. Also, bring your insurance card.

Day of procedure

While you are a patient at Shands AGH, please feel free to ask questions and express your concerns. The staff is here to help make your stay as pleasant as possible, to reduce your discomfort, and to contribute to your care and speedy recovery.

Please remember if you are late, your procedure may be cancelled or delayed.

On the day of your procedure, ask the person driving you to take you to the admitting entrance of Shands AGH. Proceed directly to the admissions desk located on the second floor. Once you have checked in, you will be directed to 5West where a nurse will meet you and prepare you for your procedure and answer any questions you have.

One person may stay with you in your room, or they may choose to join additional family members and friends who will be asked to wait in the second floor waiting room. Please remember procedure times are approximated. We appreciate your patience in the event of a delay.

When it is time for your procedure, an attendant will transport you from your room to the appropriate unit. Based on the kind of procedure you’re having, your medical history and your pre-admission test results, an anesthesiologist on the Shands at AGH medical staff will prescribe your plan for anesthetic care.

After procedure instructions

If you are being admitted to the hospital following your procedure, you will be transferred from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit to a nursing unit where you will receive post-operative care and instructions upon discharge.

If you are going home the same day of your procedure, you will be observed after your procedure to make sure the initial effects of anesthesia have worn off and to ensure you meet discharge criteria. This includes having stable vital signs, tolerating liquids, tolerating pain and, if applicable, being able to use the bathroom. Your nurse will review with you any instructions from your physician. The following are instructions for patients being discharged the same day of their procedure:

• For your safety and well-being, it’s absolutely necessary to have someone drive you home.
• Do not drive or operate hazardous machinery or power tools for 24 hours after surgery.
• Unless instructed otherwise, you may plan your meals as usual.
• Limit your activities for the rest of the day. Unless you have your physician’s permission, don’t engage in sports or heavy lifting. Also, ask your physician when you may resume sexual activity.
• It’s a good idea to avoid making important or personal decisions, or signing legal documents for the remainder of the day.
• Call your physician if you notice a large amount of swelling or redness; excessive bleeding; fever; unusual odor or have difficulty in urinating.

Information

For more information about admission to Shands AGH, please call Admissions at 352.733.0111.

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