Answers
How do I know I won’t feel any pain during surgery?
A doctor called an anesthesiologist will give you medicine to make you sleep. You might be given this medicine through a tube called an IV that goes into your arm after it’s been numbed, or through a special mask that lets you breathe in a chemical that makes you go to sleep. This doctor knows exactly the right amount to give you so that you’ll remain asleep for the entire time, with no chance of waking up in the middle of the procedure.
Can my mom and dad stay with me?
Yes. In most cases, your parents will be with you right up until you go to surgery. Then, they will be waiting for you when you get back to your room. Your parents can also stay with you as long as you’re in the hospital. They can even stay overnight if they need to.
Will I have a roommate in the hospital?
No. All La Porte Hospital rooms are private rooms, so you can get the rest you need.
When may I have visitors?
You may have visitors as soon as your doctors says it’s all right. Our visiting hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Will I have a telephone?
Yes. Your room will have a telephone and a television, with a remote control on the bed so you can watch your favorite shows.
Do I get to wear my own pajamas?
Probably. After the surgery or tests take place and you're in your room, you may be able to change into your own pajamas if the doctors and nurses can check you over easily enough. But when you have surgery, you will need to wear a special gown that the hospital will give you. These gowns are open at the back, so doctors and nurses can easily reach the area being treated. You may also be asked to wear the gown for a little while after your surgery so that the doctor or nurse can check your bandage easily.
What will I get to eat?
That depends on the reason you are there. If you have your tonsils removed, you may not feel like eating right away – or eating only popsicles! Your doctor will tell the staff what kind of food you can have and how soon after surgery you can eat.
Will I get sick from other people's germs while I'm there?
No. The hospital makes sure everything is clean and sterile, so that you won’t come in contact with other patients' germs.
What if I still don’t feel well after the surgery or I’m in pain?
Your doctor will prescribe pain medicine for you if you’re uncomfortable. It’s also important that you tell your doctor or nurse how you’re feeling so that they can make sure you are comfortable.
Do I have to stay in my room the whole time?
Once you're feeling better and your doctor says it's okay, your parents can take you out of your room in a wheelchair. Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may even be able to walk around your floor of the hospital a little bit.
Will I see my doctor every day?
Yes. Doctors do something called "rounds" every day – this is when they visit all of their patients who are in the hospital. Your doctor may do this first thing in the morning, or in the evening, depending on his or her schedule.