For Patients

Follow pre-surgery diet and instructions.

Most of your medications can be taken as regular, but with a small sip of water on the morning of surgery. Blood thinners and insulin may need to be held.

Patients should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the day of surgery, unless otherwise specified

Verify that a physician anesthesiologist is leading your anesthesia care. In Texas, nurse anesthetists can provide anesthesia without physician oversight.

Discuss a plan with your anesthesiologist, including limiting harmful opioids and associated side effects like nausea. Also discuss any fears or issues you have had with anesthesia in the past.

Stop smoking, even if only one day before

Wear comfortable clothing

Bring a friend or family member. You will not be allowed to drive for 24 hours after surgery.

Waking up After Anesthesia and What to Expect:

We understand that recovering from anesthesia can be an unfamiliar experience, and we’re here to guide you through what to expect and how to make your recovery as smooth as possible. Our goal is to provide safe, effective care with the least discomfort, and we’re excited to share how certain options—like nerve blocks and spinal anesthesia—can help make that happen.

Immediate Recovery

After your procedure, you will wake up in a recovery room (also called a PACU) where our team will monitor you closely. It’s normal to feel groggy, chilly, or even slightly confused or sleepy as the anesthesia wears off. Occasionally, patients experience mild nausea, but we have medications available to help minimize any discomfort.

Eating and Drinking After Surgery

One of the most common questions is whether you can eat or drink after anesthesia, and the answer is yes! You may eat or drink as soon as you feel ready. We recommend starting with small sips of water and light snacks to help avoid any nausea.

Nerve Blocks and Spinal Anesthesia: A Path to Better Recovery

If you received a nerve block or spinal anesthesia, you may experience significantly less discomfort in the initial hours after surgery. Nerve blocks and spinals work by numbing specific areas of the body, allowing us to reduce or even eliminate the need for narcotic pain medications. This can offer many benefits for your recovery:

Reduced Side Effects: Narcotic pain medications, while effective, can sometimes cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, and drowsiness. By avoiding or minimizing narcotics, you are less likely to experience these uncomfortable side effects.
Smoother Wake-Up: Patients with nerve blocks often have a more relaxed and comfortable wake-up experience, as they avoid the dizziness and grogginess that can come with higher doses of pain medications.
Longer Pain Relief: Nerve blocks typically provide several hours of pain relief, giving you a head start on recovery while allowing you to ease into the post-operative phase more comfortably.

Guidelines for a Safe and Smooth Recovery at Home

–No Driving or Operating Machinery for 24 Hours: Anesthesia can impair reflexes and judgment, so please arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home and plan to rest during this time.

–Stay Hydrated and Eat Lightly: Drinking water and having small, light meals will help you feel better and prevent nausea.

–Follow your surgeons insrtuctions for pain medicine schedules

–Rest and Take It Easy: Listen to your body, and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days, but it’s also important to get up and move (if possible) to prevent blood clots (DVTs).

When to Contact Us

While most side effects are mild, please contact us if you experience any severe pain, difficulty breathing, or ongoing nausea, as these may need further evaluation. If patients experience rare symptoms such as check pain and sudden shortness of breath, patients should call 911 ASAP!

With options like nerve blocks and spinal anesthesia, we’re committed to offering you the best recovery experience possible. If you have questions about your anesthesia plan, we encourage you to reach out and learn more about how we can make your journey smoother and more comfortable.

Anesthesia is a safe and routine part of many surgeries, though it may lead to a few temporary side effects. Here’s what you can expect, how long each effect might last, and tips for managing them:

Nausea and Vomiting

Duration: Typically mild and lasts a few hours but can extend into the first day post-surgery.
Management: Anti-nausea medications can help relieve symptoms (prescribed by your surgeon), and avoiding heavy foods initially may ease discomfort.

Sore Throat

Duration: Usually lasts a day or two, especially if a breathing tube was used.
Management: Sipping warm fluids, using throat lozenges, or gargling with warm salt water can soothe irritation.

Drowsiness and Fatigue

Duration: May persist for a few hours to a day, depending on the type and duration of anesthesia.
Management: Rest is essential; avoid any strenuous activity or decisions until you feel fully alert.

Mild Confusion (Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction)

Duration: Generally brief, lasting from a few minutes to a few hours. Older adults may experience lingering effects for a day or two.
Management: Quiet, familiar surroundings and minimal stimulation can help you recover your focus. Notify your care team if confusion persists.

Muscle Aches

Duration: Usually short-lived, lasting from a few hours to a day.
Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers and gentle movement can help alleviate discomfort.

Itchiness

Duration: This can last several hours, especially if certain pain medications are used during surgery.
Management: Antihistamines or gentle moisturizing can provide relief. Avoid scratching, which can irritate the skin.

Many of these effects can be minimized with nerve blocks or spinal anesthesia, which reduce the need for narcotic medications and may result in a smoother, quicker recovery. If you have any concerns about side effects, let your anesthesia provider know before surgery so they can tailor your anesthesia plan accordingly.

How is the nerve block performed, and is it painful?

All blocks are normally performed before you enter the operating room. An intravenous line is inserted, monitors are attached, and your anesthesia team will explain the entire procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You will then be comfortably sedated and most patients hardly remember the block being performed. Before the block is performed the skin is cleaned with a sterile solution followed by a small skin wheal of local anesthetic at the block needle insertion site. All that you will feel is a small pinch, and usually not much after that. Learn more about nerve blocks.

Will I see, feel, or hear anything in the operating room?

Most patients receive general anesthesia and will be completely asleep during the procedure. If you would prefer to not have general anesthesia for your procedure, this may be possible depending on can be discussed with your anesthesiologist.

Will I be nauseated during or after the surgery?

It is less likely you will have nausea if you receive a regional anesthesia (nerve block). Because the surgical area will be numb, you will not need very much opioids after surgery for pain. Opioids can cause nausea, as well as many other harmful side effects.

Will I have pain after the surgery?

Pain is still possible after surgery even with a nerve block. However, patients tend to have better pain control if they receive nerve blocks, since it is a more targeted approach to your pain.

Understanding Your Financial Responsibilities:

Trinity Anesthesia PLLC, will submit a claim to your insurance company for anesthesia services. This is a separate claim from your surgeon’s bill. We often do not submit our claim for several months, but once submitted you will receive an “Explanation of Benefits (EOB)” from your insurance company. This is NOT A BILL. We will be negotiating with your insurance company for payment. Until you receive a bill from Trinity Anesthesia, there is no reason to be alarmed.

We understand the billing process is complex, and that is why we encourage our patients to contact our office at (682) 582-7001 with any questions. Payment plans and options for those experiencing financial hardship are also available. Please contact us for more information.