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Original poster

Can they prevent me leaving?

169 replies

LaurieFairyCake · 02/03/2024 10:18

I have to have a general anaesthetic and then be discharged the same day.

My partner can't come and get me.

Can I discharge myself. The nurse said 'they wouldn't let me leave unless I was with someone'

Anyone know?

OP posts:
Nipsmum · 03/03/2024 18:47

It would be unsafe for you to get on public transport or drive yourself shortly after a general anaesthetic. Now is the time to learn to take good advice from a professional.

Mummadeze · 03/03/2024 19:09

I have had GA three or four times and then left on my own afterwards. I told them I was taking a taxi but went home on the bus a couple of times. Am not recommending it as people are saying it can affect everyone differently but for me personally, I was okay and they didn’t stop me.

Mrsgreen100 · 03/03/2024 19:16

After a general I was told not to be alone for 24 hours

Livinginhell123 · 03/03/2024 19:21

Have you ever had general anaesthetic? I had mine this week and I am so grateful my DH was there for me, I’m on day two and I still feel awful, groggy and exhausted. They took me down in a wheelchair and DH literally had to help me into the car as I could barely walk due to the general anaesthetic making me feel so nauseous and groggy.

GettingStuffed · 03/03/2024 19:28

As others said you don't know how you'll react. Last time I had a general anaesthetic I took ages to come round and the nurse told me that my throat collapsed under the anaesthetic. I was going to spend the night anyway due to a health condition but it was getting late by the time I can round enough to get to my room

RampantIvy · 03/03/2024 19:33

LaurieFairyCake · 02/03/2024 19:06

They've not told me I can't drive for 48 hours, I actually asked that as I'm driving the next day

She said if you wake up and feel fine it's fine.

From the NHS website:

General anaesthetics can affect your memory, concentration and reflexes for a day or two, so it's important for a responsible adult to stay with you for at least 24 hours after your operation, if you're allowed to go home. You'll also be advised to avoid driving, drinking alcohol and signing any legal documents for 24 to 48 hours.

The other point to remember is whether your insurance policy covers you to drive withing 24 hours of a GA.

August1980 · 03/03/2024 19:47

It depends what procedure you are having. I had a miscarriage in Dec. Had to have it surgically removed 2 days before Christmas. Husband was at work and the plan was he would come to get me at 4pm when they originally said I would be ready to leave. I was ready at 2pm did all the things I needed to do eg wee so when discharged walked out and got into a black cab! Got home let the doggy in the garden, had a shower and got dinner going. I wasn’t too drowsy or out of it but I did sleep uber soundly that night (which I don’t normally do) so maybe bits of anaesthesia was still lingering. Hope everything goes ok.

Chickitychick · 03/03/2024 19:48

Lots of expensive with this. Each time someone has had to collect me from the day patients ward and have had to give their, name , relationship to me and sign to say they will be with me for 12 hours. One time I wanted to leave and head towards the car park as DH was running late and they wouldn’t let me leave without him collecting me.

Itscatsallthewaydown · 03/03/2024 19:57

LaurieFairyCake · 02/03/2024 19:06

They've not told me I can't drive for 48 hours, I actually asked that as I'm driving the next day

She said if you wake up and feel fine it's fine.

Sorry, but you sound like a right idiot

whatsitcalledwhen · 03/03/2024 20:06

So you're planning to drive the day after general anaesthetic OP?

Don't be so selfish.

Purplepinkfairy · 03/03/2024 20:26

You can self discharge against medical advise. You have to sign a form taking full responsibility. The hospital will not be liable......you cannot drive or sign legal papers for 24 hours , as it is not legal. It will also be recorded in your notes going forward you self discharged against medical advise.....plus its a huge issue for staff to deal with especially as I'm sure they are very busy already. Maybe contact the unit and explain your situation to see can you pre arrange something....the more grown up approach

BirthdayRainbow · 03/03/2024 21:10

Please don't be alone. I have had at least two GA and it is really hard to describe the effects it can have on you. Please have someone with you for at last 24 hours.

FlipFlop1987 · 03/03/2024 21:50

Personally I feel great after GA, I wake up in seconds and suddenly go like a meerkat, looking around, asking questions, eating/drinking everything in sight.

The last one was 5 months ago to repair third degree tear from a 20 minute labour. No sleep for 48 hours but those 2 hours under GA sorted me right out. I was everyone’s best friend after that.

Only you will know how you feel, you might be absolutely fine but I would always prepare for the alternative just in case

Jacquiereid · 03/03/2024 21:52

I had my gallbladder removed a few years ago (keyhole)
My partner doesn't drive so a friend drove me there.
I was able to get a taxi home but they weren't very happy about it tbh.
I have no family closeby and felt awful asking my friend to drive another 3 hours to collect me.
I was fine no issues and my partner took a week off to look after me.
Private hospital but nhs.

Notforbeef · 03/03/2024 21:57

Chickitychick · 03/03/2024 19:48

Lots of expensive with this. Each time someone has had to collect me from the day patients ward and have had to give their, name , relationship to me and sign to say they will be with me for 12 hours. One time I wanted to leave and head towards the car park as DH was running late and they wouldn’t let me leave without him collecting me.

I've had the exact opposite experience to this - 2 operations under general and 1 procedure under sedation and allowed to walk out the door alone on all occasions - yes they asked if anyone was picking me up but that was it.

Rightsraptor · 03/03/2024 22:02

I'm not sure what you mean OP, as you say the hospital are telling you that you'll be going home the same day but you're asking about discharging yourself? Do you mean go home alone?

You might well feel way worse than you expect to after a GA so do be prepared for that. If you can possibly get someone to go home with you, do that. You might make all sorts of odd decisions on the way home if you're not yourself and you'll have to be getting yourself from the ward to the taxi when you might be feeling very odd indeed.

Rightsraptor · 03/03/2024 22:03

They can't actually stop you from leaving unless you've been committed under the mental health act, they just tend to talk in terms of 'not letting you'. It's a hospital and not a prison.

Escaperoom · 03/03/2024 22:22

DD had a day case surgery under GA recently (laparoscopic). I went to pick her up whilst her DH stayed with the DGC. She was absolutely fine if a bit sore and walked out of the ward and out to the car park with me though a bit more slowly than normal. Instructions were not to drive for at least 48 hours because of the anaesthetic and after that not until you can safely do an emergency stop. It was suggested this might be about 2 weeks for a manual gearbox and maybe sooner for automatic.

Chickitychick · 03/03/2024 22:42

Notforbeef · 03/03/2024 21:57

I've had the exact opposite experience to this - 2 operations under general and 1 procedure under sedation and allowed to walk out the door alone on all occasions - yes they asked if anyone was picking me up but that was it.

Show quote history

crazy! I REALLY wanted to leave as I was unimpressed DH was late and they wouldn’t undo the door!

Original poster
LaurieFairyCake · 03/03/2024 23:06

I checked the driving specifically as I'm taking my mum to a hospice the next day

It definitely doesn't sound like the right time for me to have the operation if I can't drive her the next day - that day is definitely fixed, end of the road

(I've had 4 GA's before and been fine after - much the same experience as someone described, alert, talkative and hungry!)

OP posts:
OldPerson · 03/03/2024 23:20

They have to discharge you to someone else's care. If you turn up and say you'll discharge yourself, they won't operate. I don't know what happens, if the person you say will turn up, does not turn up. Bearing in mind, no one knows if you're sound-of-mind when on drugs that make you unconscious.

Retiredfromearlyyears · 04/03/2024 06:37

Oh,that's a shame! Do you not even have a freind or neighbour who could come in a cab for you.? I think its very unwise to think about what is called an 'irregular discharge' The anaesthesia will stay in your system for 24 hours. I'm surprised they aren't monitoring you overnight anyway after a general anesthetic! I would either explain the situation and ask if you can stay until later on ,or next morning when you will be free of the effects of the anesthetic or ask if there is an ambulance service that could take you home. At the very least call a taxi and when you get home get yourself straight into your bed for a good sleep. Take care !

Cannyapper · 04/03/2024 07:03

I think after a recent day surgery they said, if you have no one to check you’re ok for 24 hours after the surgery, then let the ward know and they will arrange a bed for you.

SheepAndSword · 04/03/2024 07:03

@LaurieFairyCake will your partner be at home when you get back?

GreenRaven · 04/03/2024 07:55

LaurieFairyCake · 03/03/2024 23:06

I checked the driving specifically as I'm taking my mum to a hospice the next day

It definitely doesn't sound like the right time for me to have the operation if I can't drive her the next day - that day is definitely fixed, end of the road

(I've had 4 GA's before and been fine after - much the same experience as someone described, alert, talkative and hungry!)

You can't possibly plan this for the day after GA. it won't be legal and you won't be insured. You might not be out of hospital, and if you are, you might not be capable of even standing up. I had a GA for day surgery once and had to be kept in on the ward for a week unexpectedly because of the effects of the GA