Recovery
What to expect after your anesthesia and how to recover safely.
Educational information only. Follow the discharge advice from your own team. If you are worried about any symptom, seek medical advice.
📊 Recovery timeline
First hours
You wake in the recovery area. Drowsiness, mild confusion, and a dry mouth are normal. Nurses monitor you closely.
First 24 hours
Effects of anesthesia wear off. Do not drive, operate machinery, sign documents, or drink alcohol. Have someone stay with you.
First few days
Energy gradually returns. Mild sore throat, tiredness, or muscle aches may linger. Follow pain-relief and wound-care advice.
1–2 weeks
Most short-term effects resolve. Return to activity gradually as advised by your team.
💉 Pain after surgery
Some pain is expected. Take pain relief regularly as advised rather than waiting for pain to become severe.
Use the medications and doses your team recommends.
Combining simple pain relief (e.g. paracetamol) with prescribed medication often works best.
Contact your team if pain is severe, worsening, or not controlled.
🤮 Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is common after anesthesia and usually settles within a day.
Start with small sips of water and bland food.
Anti-sickness medication is available — ask your nurse if you feel unwell.
Move slowly when getting up, as sudden movement can worsen nausea.
🍽 Eating and drinking
Begin with clear fluids, then progress to light, easily digestible food.
Stay hydrated — it helps recovery and reduces headaches and nausea.
Resume your normal diet gradually as your appetite returns.
🚶 Walking and mobility
Early gentle movement reduces the risk of blood clots and chest problems.
Get up slowly and have someone nearby the first few times.
Follow any specific activity limits from your surgeon.
😴 Sleep and rest
Rest is important — your body heals as you recover.
Sleep can be disturbed for a few nights; this usually settles.
Balance rest with gentle activity during the day.
⚠ Warning signs — contact your doctor
Fever, chills, or a wound that is hot, red, swollen, or leaking.
Pain that is severe or getting worse despite pain relief.
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down.
Difficulty passing urine, or no urine for many hours.
Increasing redness, swelling, or pain in a leg (possible clot).
🚨 Emergency symptoms — seek help immediately
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
Chest pain or palpitations.
Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding.
Sudden severe pain, fainting, or collapse.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction — swelling of lips/face, widespread rash, difficulty breathing.
Call your local emergency number for any of the above.