After receiving anesthesia during a surgical procedure, you can play an active role in your recovery by heeding the straightforward list of do's and don'ts that follows.
Don't drive a car for at least 24 hours. After anesthesia, your reactions and judgment may be impaired. Such impairment makes driving a car dangerous to you and to others. It is especially important that you don't forget to make arrangements for someone else to drive you home from the health care facility.
Don't operate complex equipment for at least 24 hours. The same logic that applies to driving a car similarly applies to the operation of other equipment. This includes equipment used at home, such as a lawnmower, as well as that which is used on the job, such as a forklift.
Don't make any important decisions or sign any legal documents for the day. The potential for impairment relates not only to physical activities but to your mental state also. Moreover, the anxiety that frequently accompanies important decisions is to be avoided. The day should be spent resting.
Don't take any medications unless prescribed by or discussed with your physician. Some medications may adversely interact with anesthetic drugs or chemicals remaining in your body. Included are prescription drugs, such as sleeping pills or tranquilizers, and over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin.
Don't drink alcohol for at least 24 hours. Alcohol is also considered a drug, meaning that an alcoholic drink has the potential to negatively react with the anesthetic in your system. This includes hard liquor, beer, and wine.
