Today you had a procedure with medication to help you relax and stay comfortable (sedation). Please follow these instructions to stay safe after you go home. If you have any questions or concerns, call 1.888.490.6121 to speak to a nurse 24/7. If you have an emergency, call 911.
Please have a responsible person stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure, and to help you when you get out of bed for the first time. If you are dizzy when you first get up, call your doctor.
How you may feel
- You may feel sick to your stomach after sedation or after you take your pain medication.
- The area where you had your IV will probably be sore for a few days after your procedure.
- You may have a slight fever. This is normal. Call your doctor if your temperature is higher than 101 degrees F.
Driving
- You must have a responsible person drive you home after your procedure. You cannot take a bus or cab home from the hospital.
- DO NOT drive the day of your procedure. You may drive the day after your procedure unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Eating and drinking
- You can return to your regular diet as tolerated after your procedure.
- DO NOT drink any type of alcohol for the rest of the day. Doing so can cause harmful side effects after sedation.
Activities
- You may feel dizzy and sleepy after your procedure. Rest when you get home and move only as much as you can without getting tired.
- DO NOT return to work or operate machinery or power tools for the rest of the day. You can return to work the day after your procedure unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- DO NOT make any important decisions or sign important papers for the rest of the day.
Medications
You can take your normal medications unless your doctor gave you different instructions.
- You can take pain medication as prescribed.
- DO NOT take pills for your nerves (psychotropic medications) or medication to help you sleep for the rest of the day. Doing so can cause harmful side effects after sedation.
