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Questions and answers

This section provides answers to the most frequently asked questions from patients.

General
General
  • What can and can't I do when I get home?
    If you leave the hospital on the same day that you had your surgery, continue to rest at home after your anaesthetic. Depending on the nature of your surgical procedure, it is likely that you will not feel up to doing much for the rest of the day or a few days thereafter. If you have any queries or concerns, you may contact the SRTC Advice Line on +44 (0) 1356 665225, call your local GP, or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency Centre.
  • What symptoms should I expect?
    For your information, the following symptoms constitute the normal after effects of surgery:
    • Generally, you just don’t feel well
    • Surgical pain. All surgery involves some pain and your surgeon will prescribe the necessary pain medication to help you through the first few days following your operation. If your medication does not relieve your pain and you are experiencing stomach irritation, nausea or an allergic reaction (skin rash, itching, hives), call the SRTC Advice Line on +44 (0) 1356 665225. Make sure that you take medications as directed and never take medicine on an empty stomach as this will cause unnecessary nausea. Pain control is important as it facilitates movement and mobility and enables you to walk, take deep breaths and cough - activities which all contribute significantly to your recovery. It is not advisable to drive while you are taking pain killers
    • Muscle aches
    • Drowsiness
    • A sore throat
    • Nausea and vomiting. You may be nauseous or could even vomit after a general anaesthetic. This is normally only a temporary side effect which should disappear within a few hours. If by the next day, you are still nauseous or vomiting, call the SRTC Advice Line on +44 (0) 1356 665225, contact your local GP, or call in at the nearest Accident and Emergency Centre.
    • Headaches
    • Dizziness
    • A sore mouth or jaw
    These symptoms may persist from one to three days following surgery or may not even occur at all!
  • How do I know if I'm experiencing complications?
    Contact the SRTC Advice Line on +44 (0) 1356 665225, call your local GP or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency Centre if you experience:
    • Severe pain (even after taking pain pills)
    • Prolonged, excessive bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop within half an hour, call in at the nearest Accident and Emergency Centre
    • Persistent vomiting or an inability to tolerate liquids for more than 12 hours
    • Signs of infection after surgery including a fever, chills, increased pain, swelling, foul taste or smell
    • A fever, increased swelling, redness, or drainage are indications that something is wrong
    • If you have pain in the back of your legs or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention as this could indicate a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus which needs urgent treatment
  • I've heard that coughing is good. Is that correct?
    To boost your circulation, clear your lungs and lower your risk of breathing complications, breathe deeply and cough several times a day for the first and second days following your surgery. If you have an abdominal incision, hold a pillow tightly over the area for support while coughing. Avoid coughing harshly. You may cough up old blood and your mouth and lips might feel dry. Simply rinse your mouth with water and apply some Vaseline to your lips. Open your mouth wide when sneezing.
  • When can I remove my wound dressing?
    Depending on the nature of your surgery, a dressing will cover your operation site and it is advisable not to tamper with or remove it before the doctor instructs you to do so. The doctor will advise you as to when the dressing should be changed
  • Do I need to return to have sutures removed?
    The surgeon may have used clips or sutures (stitches) to close the wound. The sutures may be dissolvable (usually within seven days) and will not need to be removed. Non-soluble sutures will be removed on the surgeon’s instructions (usually between 10 and 14 days), depending on the type of procedure which was performed. The doctor will advise you accordingly.
  • What activity is and isn't advisable?
    Your body should be allowed to heal properly. You will promote and facilitate healing if you balance resting with activity; eat well; and take care of your incision and the dressing. It is generally accepted that one should start moving around as soon as possible after surgery. Stay out of bed as much as you can by sitting in a chair and/or walking around. This will play a vital part in speeding up your recovery. Remember, it is normal to tire easily after any surgery. Only light activities should be performed for the first two weeks. However, depending on your procedure, it is not advisable to pursue any vigorous activity for at least six weeks after surgery. Avoid lifting anything heavy (over 10 lbs) or straining when on the toilet.
  • Will I be hungry and what can I eat?
    Depending on the surgery that has been performed, you may be required to fast for a while longer after your operation. Check with the nursing staff before you drink or eat anything. Usually, you will break the ‘nil by mouth fast’ with small sips of water or ice, then progress to clear fluids. Please notify the nursing staff of any nausea. You should then slowly begin to eat light foods, finally returning to your normal diet.
  • When can I have my first bath after surgery?
    Based on your surgery, you will only be able to bath or shower on the doctor’s instructions. In some cases, it will impede the healing process if the wound gets wet and in other instances, it is extremely important that your dressing remains dry. The doctor will advise you as to what you may or may not do.
  • When are visitors allowed at SRTC?
    Visitors are welcome between 2pm and 8pm. Visiting children must be over 12 years although exceptions can be arranged. Any visitor exposed to or suffering from a communicable disease (including a cold or flu) should not visit the hospital. To respect the comfort of all other patients, visitors are limited to two at a time.
  • How do I make contact with family and friends whilst at the SRTC?
    Family and friends may contact the ward to speak to you on +44 (0) 1356 665225. Mobile phones may not be used at all in patient areas.
  • What transport arrangements exist?
    A public bus service to the SRTC is available. Kindly contact transport enquiries at +44 (0) 1382 228345 to work out the route from your destination to the hospital and vice versa. Free parking is available in the grounds of Stracathro Hospital.
  • How do I get to the SRTC?
    Directions
  • Is there a cafeteria on site?
    A public cafeteria is situated in the grounds of Stracathro Hospital. The operating hours are from 7am – 6:30pm, Monday to Sunday.