Unless you are having a minor procedure that only requires a local anesthetic, you are required to have a family member or friend drive you home after the procedure. Although this person does not have to be at the surgery center for the duration of your procedure, he or she must be present prior to your scheduled departure. The staff at Focus Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Center will not release you unless there is someone to escort you safely back to your residence.
You will need someone to stay with you for twenty-four hours after your procedure. This will ensure your safety during a time when you may be more vulnerable to falls or accidents due to the after effects of anesthesia or pain medication.
Please note the surgery center is not responsible for any items that may be lost or misplaced during your procedure, therefore please leave all valuables at home or in the custody of the person escorting you to the procedure.
First, the best thing to help relieve pain is to keep your upper extremity above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling. Less swelling results in less pain.
In most instances, you may take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory as directed on the package. Check with your surgeon first. Be aware that you should stop taking the anti-inflammatory if it upsets your stomach. Do not take Acetaminophen because it is in most pain medications. If this doesn’t help, please call 303-744-7078 to speak to the nursing staff regarding any other options.
By Federal Law, narcotic prescription pain medication MUST be ordered electronically and sent directly to your pharmacy. Paper scripts and/or ordering by phone is no longer acceptable. Prior to your surgery, please make sure you have provided either your nurse or Surgery Scheduler the pharmacy of your choice. This cannot be changed after surgery when the prescription has already been ordered.
For the first 2-3 days after surgery, you should keep your surgical hand elevated above your heart level at all times to help prevent swelling. You should move your fingers that are free from the bandage to help keep your mobility and to help decrease swelling. After the first 2-3 days, you may use your surgical hand to accomplish light duties. You should not lift anything heavy. You should limit pushing and pulling. Your surgeon will instruct you on other limitations.