Operation Query

[Alakazam7]

I'm due to have a minor op in two weeks time. It will be just a day case and I have to go in at 7.30 in the morning so think it will be a morning operation. The paperwork says I need someone to escort me home and ring the ward after a certain time. I have nobody who could do that. Does anyone know what generally happens in these circumstances, I don't want to risk them cancelling the op as it is essential. Is there anything I need to do now regarding this- have thought about trying to get a carer but don't know if that would be needed. Can anyone give me any advice please.

[CMOTDibbler]

You need to be with an adult for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic for your safety. If theres no one you could ask to do that, then you'd need to get a carer otherwise your operation could well be cancelled as they won't have an overnight bed for you. Ring the ward/unit you'll be going to and ask them if there is any possibility to stay in.

[Floralnomad]

7.30 also doesn't necessarily mean morning operation . I had day case shoulder surgery last year and was told to arrive at 7.30 and didn't get done until 2.30/3 and didn't get back to the day ward until 5 ish - I left at 7 ,still throwing up but was desperate to get out and my sister collected me -no way I could have made my own way home .

[Alakazam7]

Thanks for such a quick reply. That's what I needed to know, I've got time to put things in place so will ring the unit in the morning and ask their advice.

[menstruawful]

I think in some exceptional circumstances you can be given an overnight bed. The last two 'day' surgeries I had were both spent overnight on account of the fact that I had zero transport whatsoever. The first time I was just moved to the bottom end of the day unit with two other ladies that were too ill to go home, the second time I was taken to a general ward for the night.

[SauvignonBlanche]

You have to tell the hospital that you have a responsible adult with you overnight in order to have your surgery. Transport can be arranged but you have to provide an overnight adult.

There is a possibility that your surgery may not go ahead if you are not able to tell them this.

[Alakazam7]

Thanks- I think the way forward would be to speak to the unit and see what they advise. It's not a straightforward operation as I have other health problems but realise I may need to put carers in place, was hoping I wouldn't need to do that really!

[Oly5]

tell them you have nobody you can ask
they"ll probably find you a bed. don't worry

[lougle]

Unfortunately it is essential to have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. Reactions to GAs can be delayed, hence the requirement.

[Alakazam7]

I really don't have anyone to ask and any carer I would get wouldn't know me anyway so not sure how it would work out. I'll see what they say in the morning

[lougle]

You'll need an overnight bed then. They have short stay wards for just this sort of purpose.

[Alakazam7]

It is so helpful to be able to discuss this here. Thanks for your responses, I haven't posted much on here (yet) so it is great that posters have taken time to answer my questions.
In some ways I think of course I should arrange for a carer so I can leave that day as expected. I'd rather be in my own home too of course.
When it comes down to it though I'm not sure how I'd feel or how safe it is to leave with a carer who doesn't know me. Has anyone on here been through similar without anyone? I'd be interested to know how they got around it!

[lougle]

Only you know what your other health problems mean for you, but the safety measure of having another adult with you for 24 hours is because you may have impaired judgement, drowsiness, vomiting or nausea, etc., so may need assistance. Those things probably aren't big problems individually, but if you were left feeling very drowsy and were sick, then you could breathe in and aspirate vomit into your lungs, which is a medical emergency.

So the person who is with you doesn't need to be skilled in any way. They just need to be able to recognise if you are not recovering well and need medical attention, and capable of getting you to a hospital or calling an ambulance.

[Alakazam7]

Just to update, I've been told by the secretary at the gp surgery that I'll need to arrange for a carer. I've contacted companies and it will cost over £350. Don't know what to do now...

[SecretSpy]

The gp surgery doesn't get involved in this, speak to the day case unit or the consultants secretary.

It's absolutely common for an overnight stay if you don't have a responsible adult available

[Alakazam7]

Ok thanks-I'll try that now

[WiIdfire]

You need to speak to the hospital. In my hospital, if you don't have anyone to take you home you would stay overnight, but you need to tell them in advance because you are likely to need to be put on a different list and have a bed booked. Have you been through pre-op yet? That is the ideal place to discuss these issues.

[Alakazam7]

Thanks I have an appointment for pre op on the 19th so I'll discuss it then. It might be that I'd need to stay overnight anyway so I'll see what they say