General anaesthetic and sedation: aftercare advice

When you get home and for the first few days after your surgery

• Do not do any strenuous activities for 24 hours. For example, housework, gardening, or exercising.

• Do not operate machinery or do anything needing fine co-ordination or judgement, for example using a cooker, for at least 24 hours.

• Do not make any important decisions or sign important documents for the first 48 hours after your operation.

• You must not drive a car, or ride a motorbike or bicycle for at least 48 hours, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

• You may eat as you wish, but your appetite may be poor to begin with. You must drink plenty of fluids.

• Do not drink alcohol or take sleeping tablets for at least 24 hours.

• Follow the advice on the leaflets that you have been given.

• Some people may feel emotional or "weepy" during the first few days; this is normal.

What should I do if I have any concerns or questions?

If you have any queries, please contact one of the following.

• Canterbury Day Surgery Centre, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
  Telephone: 01227 783114 (7am to 8pm)

• Day Surgery, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital, Margate
  Telephone: 01843 234499 (Monday to Friday 7am to 9pm)
  Telephone: 07887 651162 (Monday to Friday 9pm to 7am) (Bank Holidays and weekends, 24 hours a day)

• Channel Day Surgery, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
  Telephone: 01233 616263 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)