Improving Your Recovery

Anesthesia Recovery

Getting over your anesthesia varies on what you were given and how your body reacts. For most people, initial recovery from anesthesia can take 1 to 3 hours, but the body’s recovery from the stress of surgery can take much longer. For the remainder of the day of your procedure, you’ll probably want to spend time on the couch or in bed. That’s perfectly normal, but it’s also important to remember to get up and move around a bit every few hours. Your postoperative nurse will provide specific recovery and activity instructions for you from your surgical team, and it’s important to follow them.

Every procedure is different. Every person is different. If things aren’t going as you expected, please refer to your documents first, then feel free to reach out. We’re here to take care of you.

Pain management

We would love to promise a pain-free recovery, but for most procedures, that’s not realistic. Depending on your procedure, you’ll have some discomfort and pain. The key to success is anticipating that pain. Don’t try to “tough it out,” be honest with yourself and be proactive in treating your pain.

For some procedures, your surgical team will prescribe oral opiates. These pain medicines are stronger than over-the-counter pain medications, but can often be combined with them safely. Your surgeon and care team will inform you of what to take and when. If you have any questions about your pain medications, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Block recovery

Expected recovery time from a nerve block can vary between 6 and 30 hours, depending on the technique and medications used. If you received a block from one of our physicians, you should have received a “block discharge form” which contains information specific to you and the type of block you received.

It’s also important to stay on top of pain management with a nerve block. Your anesthesiologist will give you verbal and written instructions about when to start oral pain medications (hint, it’s before the block is expected to wear off).

Activity levels

This can be a tricky topic, and is largely dictated by your surgeon. You can do many things soon after surgery. One thing you can’t afford to do is nothing.

Movement is very helpful and will lower your risk of some serious complications. That being said, some of the anesthesia and medications that you receive during and after your procedure can make you less steady and more likely to fall. Your surgeon, physical therapist, and care team will provide you with information about what you can do. So keep moving – just do it carefully.

Return to function

This is different from recovery time. Return to function is how long it takes you to get back to your normal work and activities. Your surgeon and care team will help you as your recovery progresses towards return to function. Depending on your procedure, physical therapy may be an integral part of this step. Remember, the better you prepare, the better you’ll recover.

When to contact us

First and foremost, in a life threatening emergency, contact emergency services using ‘911.’

As you navigate your surgical recovery, please refer to the discharge paperwork and information that your care team has provided to you. If you are feeling uncomfortable or can’t find an answer, please call us at 303-962-5238. If it’s an issue that doesn’t require a timely response, you can use the contact form below: