NOTES - Surgical Procedures :
Arthroscopy - adult present? - - Posted by nick1579 (nick1579), 8 October 2004
I have an arthscopy next saturday. I've been reading a bit about them; one site said they wouldn't release me unless I was accompanied by an adult.
Is this true? I was just planning on going alone, but may need to revise my plans now? I can see why for the main surgery (I have an ACL recon later in the year), but is it really necessary for an arthroscopy?
By the way - just in case you were wondering, I'm 26.
Thanks
Posted by Hefalump (Hefalump), 8 October 2004
It should depend on whether or not you are sedated. If you have any form of sedation, they can't release you unless a "responsible adult" is with you to get you home again.
Of course, it might be something else entirely, but I know they sedated me for mine (mostly because I wouldn't shut up), and my Dad had to come get me from the hospital.
Hefa
Posted by Hefalump (Hefalump), 8 October 2004
Good luck for the arthroscopy btw.
Posted by hmaxwell (Heather M.), 8 October 2004
You must have someone over the age of 18 to accompany you home. Even if you plan on taking a taxi, they can't release you to go home alone after sedation or anesthesia. It would be foolish.
I had to sign a paper saying that I would have an adult over age 18 with me at all times for 24 hours after my procedure. Then, the adult in question, my dad, had to come in and sign a similar document. They are serious.
If you can't have someone with you, sometimes they will keep you overnight--that's what my last surgeon did, even on a relatively minor 5-10 minute procedure. It's done to protect you, the hospital, and your surgeon from liability.
And it's so much better not to have to make your own dinner and get your own icepacks after surgery.
Heather
Posted by dm (dm), 10 October 2004
I arrived at the hospital for day surgery by myself, via their transport service, and then went home by myself afterwords, also via their transport service. I didn't have anyone at home with me, but did have a friend call and check on me, and they had a key to get in in case I didn't answer the phone.
I've done this twice so far.
Posted by heather_k (heather k from wales), 10 October 2004
Every surgery Ive had, I wasnt discharged until they were sure I had an adult stay with me for the 1st 24 hours after leaving hospital. Even after a spinal without sedation.
Heather 
Posted by faith (faith), 11 October 2004
I had an arthroscopy and LR last Wednesday (day surgery) and the hospital wouldn't discharge me until I had a responsible adult to look after me and ANOTHER ONE to look after my children!
Though in hindsight I've got to say that I probably wouldn't have managed without both my husband and my mum anyway.
Best of luck with the surgery.
Faith
Posted by Kris (Kris), 11 October 2004
For all 4 of my surgeries the nurses wouldn't release me unless someone was available. I'm 26 too. I was glad my parents were with me anyway. It felt good to have my mom and dad there to support me and take care of things until I was back to things. I was sick for a few days after my first surgery. The nurses released me and during the 45 minute drive home, I became very sick. Again I was glad to have the folks to help out.
Updated Sat Nov 21 2009
