For patients who have received general anesthesia or IV sedation:
A nurse from Carolina Center For Specialty Surgery will call you at home the next business day after your procedure to make sure that you are recovering as expected. It is important that you get plenty of rest the following day.

It takes 24 to 36 hours for the full effects of the anesthesia to dissipate. During this period, it is essential that you follow these instructions:

1.   You MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult when leaving the center, who may either
      drive you home or accompany you home in a taxi. Do not use public transportation.

2.   Once you arrive home, it is common to feel sleepy. It is important that you rest quietly
      at home for the rest of the day.

3.   Lie down if you feel dizzy or light-headed.

4.   Drink plenty of non-citric juice or soft drinks for the first 4 to 6 hours. Light meals
      are recommended following your operation (i.e., soup or jello). Avoid milk for at
      least 24 hours.

5.   Avoid alcohol in any form for 48 hours.

6.   Avoid any drugs (apart from your prescribed painkillers) which may affect your
      nervous system for 24 hours.

7.   DO NOT operate motor vehicles, boats, power tools or machinery, or perform any task
      that requires mental alertness (such as cooking) for 24 hours.

8.   Do not sign or enter into any legal contract for 24 hours.

9.   We strongly suggest that a responsible adult be with you for the rest of the day and
      night following your procedure.

Following a general anesthetic, you may experience some muscular aches in your back or neck area, or even develop a sore throat or stuffy nose. These symptoms are not serious and should disappear in a short time.

If you have any questions or problems regarding post-operative symptoms, or any associated concerns, please call your surgeon.