Eating and Drinking
It is extremely important that patients undergoing anesthesia or sedation have an empty stomach. For this reason patients should not have anything to eat or drink eight (8) hours before their scheduled appointment. Alcohol or other recreational drugs should not be used 24 hours prior to the appointment time.
Change in Health
A change in health is extremely important. If the patient is sick or has been sick within the last 2 weeks (i.e. cough, cold, flu, fever, and stomach flu) please call the office to reschedule the appointment.
Medications
Please discuss any prescribed medications with Dr. Eshaghian. It is usually recommended for all scheduled medications to be taken unless otherwise directed. One sip of water or if necessary, one tablespoon of applesauce may be used.
Clothing
The Patient should be dressed in comfortable, loose clothing. Short sleeves are advised. Contact lenses must be removed before anesthesia. Leave all valuables at home. For children it is suggested to bring a change of clothing and a blanket. If possible, have your child wear a diaper or pull-up.
Designated Driver
A responsible adult must accompany any patient to the office and remain in the office during the procedure. Arrange to have a responsible adult stay with the patient for the remainder of the day. State law requires a car seat for patients under the age of eight (8) or under four (4) feet, nine (9) inches tall.
Pain or Fever
Muscle aches or sore throat are possible after general anesthesia and will usually disappear within 24-36 hours. Drugs such as Tylenol and Advil are usually very effective for pain management and may be taken, if normally tolerated. For children a fever of up to 101 degrees F may develop for the first 12 hours. Over-the-counter Children’s Tylenol with plenty of liquids will tend to alleviate this condition as well as treat any post-operative discomfort.
Diet
Begin with clear liquids (e.g. apple juice, jello, water, broth, 7-up, Gatorade). When liquids are tolerated for at least 1-2 hours, then the patient may be progressed to a soft diet (e.g. applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs, soft noodles, etc.) and then to a regular diet.
Activity
Most patients remain drowsy or sleepy following their surgery for the remainder of the day. As a result, coordination and judgment will be impaired for as long as 24 hours. Adults should refrain from activities such as driving, and children should remain in the presence of a responsible adult during this period.
Dr. Eshaghian will contact you to review preoperative instructions and to answer any questions on the evening prior to the appointment or earlier. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the anesthesia prior to the appointment, you may call Dr. Eshaghian at (310)498-6424.