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First and Second Stages
of Recovery Room
Discharge, Overnight
Stays, and Recovery Facility
Private Duty Nurses, and Going Home
Post Operative Instructions
and Avoiding Complications
Warning Signs
General Recovery Rule
of Three's
Private Duty Nurse
As an alternative to staying in a recovery facility,
you may choose to hire a recovery nurse to come to your
house or hotel room. Again, your attendant's experience
and training can vary widely from a full-time cosmetic
surgery registered nurse to an untrained attendant with
a willingness to stay with you through the night.
At the very least, you need someone to prepare food
and keep you hydrated, help you to the bathroom, transport
you to the doctor's office, be knowledgeable in danger
signs, and make sure you take your medications on time.
It would also be nice to have someone eager to fluff
your pillows, change your bed sheets, rub your back
or feet, reassure you, and provide a quiet, private
place for you to rest.
Most cosmetic surgeons can put you in touch with nurses
that either the doctor or his or her patients recommend.
It's a good idea to try to reserve these nurses well
in advance because the more experienced and popular
ones can be booked several months in advance.
Going Home
If your doctor says its okay, you may go directly home
after surgery.You should still have someone to stay
with you for the first 24 hours to help you with food,
medications, moving around, getting to a follow up appointment,
and just in case of an emergency.
It helps if you have prepared in advance for your recovery
at home. You should have on hand extra pillows, clear
liquids, soft foods (broth, yogurt, jello), bland foods
(crackers, toast), protein (fish, chicken, soy), frozen
peas or raspberries for cold packs, straws or sipping
cups, mouthwash, and Tylenol.
To Next Section -
Post Operative Instructions and Avoiding Complications
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