This area is specially equipped for monitoring patients after surgery. You will probably have an IV line in you arm or wrist to provide fluids, since you will not be able to eat right away. You may also have a tube in your nose or a mask over your face to provide oxygen. Other tubes may be in place to drain fluid from the operating site or your stomach. If you have had vaginal surgery, you may also have a large gauze tampon in place in your vagina that will be removed later.
Many patients feel groggy, confused, and chilly when they wake up after an operation.
It is also not unusual to have a headache, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches or a sore throat shortly after surgery. These discomforts should be temporary, but you can ask for medication to relieve them if you wish. You will remain in the recovery room until your condition is stable and the effects of any anesthesia has worn off. Pain is a normal part of recovery after an operation. You will receive medications after your operation to keep you comfortable.