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Original poster

Where do you wake up post surgery? (Outpatient)

34 replies

GoldenOldies · 21/10/2023 16:45

Scheduled to have a hysteroscopy & a laparoscopy in two weeks time. I’ll be going under general (which terrifies me), but as I’ve never had surgery before, I don’t really know what to expect.

Like where do I wake up after the surgery? Is it in a recovery room or a ward? Am I alone (aside from medical professionals) or is it mandatory to have a loved one in the recovery room with me despite being an adult? Is it even an option to have a loved one in the room with me (rather than in the waiting area) if I want it? If I want to be alone with just medical professionals, do they wait until I’m awake to allow my loved one to see me?

These are probably dumb questions but I’ve just never experienced surgery before 🙈

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 21/10/2023 16:49

You will go to recovery room.

You might or might not wake up there depending on how quick you come round.

From the recovery room if your stats are ok you go to the ward.

greenacrylicpaint · 21/10/2023 16:49

usually in recovery.
they keep you there until you have come round from the anasthesia and have done a couple of test to see you are ok to go to the ward.

however, patients often are very very tired after ga and don't remember once theg wake up on the ward.

Planesplanesplanes · 21/10/2023 16:50

When ever I’ve had surgery I’ve woken up in recovery where there was 1:1 nurse to patient ratio. I then saw my DH when I was back on the ward at visiting time or after birth straight away back on the ward as he was looking after DC.

Longma · 21/10/2023 16:51

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines. at the request of it's author.

Mindymomo · 21/10/2023 16:51

Have you had a pre op appointment yet, that should tell you all you need to know then. Not the same but DH had a procedure on an outpatient appointment, they had a ward where he was taken straight after. I dropped him off and they phoned me to tell me where and when to collect him as he couldn’t drive himself home due to aesthetic.

Original poster
GoldenOldies · 21/10/2023 16:53

greenacrylicpaint · 21/10/2023 16:49

usually in recovery.
they keep you there until you have come round from the anasthesia and have done a couple of test to see you are ok to go to the ward.

however, patients often are very very tired after ga and don't remember once theg wake up on the ward.

So can my loved one be in the recovery room or are they not allowed see me until I move to the ward after I’m fully awake?

OP posts:
Original poster
GoldenOldies · 21/10/2023 16:54

Mindymomo · 21/10/2023 16:51

Have you had a pre op appointment yet, that should tell you all you need to know then. Not the same but DH had a procedure on an outpatient appointment, they had a ward where he was taken straight after. I dropped him off and they phoned me to tell me where and when to collect him as he couldn’t drive himself home due to aesthetic.

No, doctor said I wouldn’t need a pre-op assessment as I was healthy?

OP posts:
muddyford · 21/10/2023 16:55

I woke up back in the ward on both occasions I had GA as an out-patient.

NursieBernard · 21/10/2023 16:55

When you come out of theatre you will go to first stage recovery. Here you will be with a nurse/ODP until you are maintaining your own airway, awake etc. No family are allowed at this point.

If it's a daycase unit they may have a second stage recovery where you will recover until well enough for discharge. If they allow family members to attend with you this is where you'll be reunited.

Anewuser · 21/10/2023 16:55

I’ve only had one GA myself and woke up in the recovery room with the Healthcare professional there. My adult son has had a lot of GAs and I’ve always been called to be there once they’re out of theatre. However that’s because he has no ability to communicate. It has always been made clear that this is no usual. Therefore, I’d be very surprised if your husband was allowed in even if he wanted.

Anewuser · 21/10/2023 16:57

I thought everyone has a pre-op. Where they take your bloods and discuss medication, take your height and weight etc?

Original poster
GoldenOldies · 21/10/2023 16:57

muddyford · 21/10/2023 16:55

I woke up back in the ward on both occasions I had GA as an out-patient.

Were your loved ones with you or was it just medical professionals/other patients?

OP posts:
Original poster
GoldenOldies · 21/10/2023 16:57

Anewuser · 21/10/2023 16:57

I thought everyone has a pre-op. Where they take your bloods and discuss medication, take your height and weight etc?

Maybe that’ll be done on the day?

OP posts:
Hbh17 · 21/10/2023 16:58

No family/friends would be there - imagine the chaos! And don't be scared of a GA - they are fantastic; I loved mine.

Original poster
GoldenOldies · 21/10/2023 17:00

Hbh17 · 21/10/2023 16:58

No family/friends would be there - imagine the chaos! And don't be scared of a GA - they are fantastic; I loved mine.

Thanks! I mostly feel guilty knowing my “designated adult” (doctor’s words haha!) will be stuck in a cold waiting room for hours 🙈 But if family isn’t allowed in, not much I can do until I’m awake and talkative again 🤷🏼‍♀️

Haha, I’ve only just experienced sedation for wisdom teeth. That took ages for me to become brave enough for, now this?! Still, I know it’s better to be asleep for the whole thing. Can’t imagine it would be very fun awake 😂

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 21/10/2023 17:06

My DH has been able to wait on the ward when I have had operations however this will vary by ward and hospital.

They only want family members in recovery if absolutely necessary.

(Exception - my DH was allowed in after C-section and I think that is relatively normal)

Unicorntearsofgin · 21/10/2023 17:14

I had to have GA for my miscarriage as I had retained tissue. I started in my own room - was introduced to anaesthetist and then wheeled to surgery. I came around in the recovery area - they woke me up I believe and was then wheeled back to my room. In my case it was a private room for day surgery and there I was offered food and drinks. I believe I was able to leave after eating a meal so called my partner to pick me up.

Whilst the experience of losing my baby was incredibly traumatic the process was really nothing to worry about.

tobee · 21/10/2023 17:15

I had a hysterectomy with ga day surgery. I was petrified as I hadn't had a ga for over 20 years. It was all absolutely fine though!

Twice after ga I've woken in the theatre as the hcp were clearing up etc. The nurses greeted me with "hello tobee!" In friendly tones and smiling faces. I said "oh I was just having such a lovely dream!". Then I was wheeled to recovery for observation and drifted in and out of a pleasant sleep with an oxygen mask on. I was there for an hour I think and was able to eat shortly after going back to the ward; I was amazed.

No visitors - staff just called my Dh to pick me up later iirc.

tobee · 21/10/2023 17:15

Ahh hysteroscopy I meant!!!!

Katrinawaves · 21/10/2023 17:17

GoldenOldies · 21/10/2023 17:00

Thanks! I mostly feel guilty knowing my “designated adult” (doctor’s words haha!) will be stuck in a cold waiting room for hours 🙈 But if family isn’t allowed in, not much I can do until I’m awake and talkative again 🤷🏼‍♀️

Haha, I’ve only just experienced sedation for wisdom teeth. That took ages for me to become brave enough for, now this?! Still, I know it’s better to be asleep for the whole thing. Can’t imagine it would be very fun awake 😂

Show quote history

They really won’t. A hysteroscopy and laparoscopy are really quick procedures and you are unlikely to be in recovery for long. I’d have though that they will have time to hit the canteen for a cup of coffee and if they drink that in a fairly leisurely fashion perhaps over a newspaper, it will be time for them to meet you on the ward by the time they are finished.

Original poster
GoldenOldies · 21/10/2023 17:24

Unicorntearsofgin · 21/10/2023 17:14

I had to have GA for my miscarriage as I had retained tissue. I started in my own room - was introduced to anaesthetist and then wheeled to surgery. I came around in the recovery area - they woke me up I believe and was then wheeled back to my room. In my case it was a private room for day surgery and there I was offered food and drinks. I believe I was able to leave after eating a meal so called my partner to pick me up.

Whilst the experience of losing my baby was incredibly traumatic the process was really nothing to worry about.

Ah, I’m so sorry you went through all that. There’s really no words of comfort that could be offered tbh, but thank you for sharing to help me!

OP posts:
TomAllenWife · 21/10/2023 17:29

Ex theatre nurse here

I love a general anaesthetic! There is nothing to be afraid of, you will be taken care of every step of the way

You will likely be extubated in theatre but you won't remember this.
You'll become more aware in recovery where you will normally have 1:1 nursing care checking all your obs and monitoring your pain.
Your surgeon may come and see you too.

In our hospital only parents of aware children are allowed in recovery once their child is awake.
It's not appropriate to have adults in recovery where there are patients recovering from anaesthetic

I always have a GA for hysteroscopy and even coil fitting

If you have any other questions I'll answer what I can

TomAllenWife · 21/10/2023 17:33

Also I have never heard of a case not having pre-op unless on emergency list

We need medications, to look at your airway, baseline obs, how much you drink, loose teeth/crowns etc

Original poster
GoldenOldies · 21/10/2023 17:37

TomAllenWife · 21/10/2023 17:33

Also I have never heard of a case not having pre-op unless on emergency list

We need medications, to look at your airway, baseline obs, how much you drink, loose teeth/crowns etc

Thank you for your answers!!!!

It’s been an ongoing investigation for me, so I’ve had a few appointments where all those things have been taken. My appointment today was to discuss and schedule the surgeries, but I’ve had bloods done, ultrasounds, etc over the last few months. I presume my doctor thinks that’s good enough? Or maybe there’ll be an assessment before surgery in the meantime?

OP posts:
TomAllenWife · 21/10/2023 17:40

Ah well if all that's done and fine then the anaesthetist will probably do a round in the morning and just do a few last checks