Recovery & Aftercare
Knowing what to expect after your procedure can help you prepare for recovery and feel more confident about returning home. Recovery varies depending on the treatment you have received, the type of anaesthesia used and your general health. Dr Ryan McConnell and your treating hospital or clinic will provide instructions tailored to your procedure.
Follow your discharge instructions carefully. These take priority over the general information on this page.
Immediately After Your Procedure
After your procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area or hospital ward. Your team will check your comfort, blood pressure and the area where the procedure was performed. Depending on your treatment, you may need to remain lying down for a period before getting up. Your nurse will let you know when you can safely walk, eat and drink. Some patients return home the same day, while others stay in hospital overnight or longer. Your discharge arrangements will depend on your procedure and how you are recovering. Before leaving, make sure you understand:
- how to take any prescribed medications
- how to care for your dressing or puncture site
- any restrictions on driving, work or exercise
- which symptoms require medical attention
- when your follow-up appointment or imaging is required
- who to contact if you have concerns.
Going Home After Sedation or General Anaesthesia
If you have received sedation or general anaesthesia, arrange for a responsible adult to collect you and stay with you for the period advised by your treating team. For at least 24 hours, or longer if instructed:
- do not drive, cycle or operate machinery
- do not drink alcohol
- do not make important decisions or sign legal documents
- avoid activities that require concentration or coordination.
Pain and Discomfort
Some discomfort, tenderness or bruising can occur after an interventional radiology procedure. The location and intensity will depend on your treatment. After some embolisation procedures, you may also experience temporary cramping, tiredness or nausea. Your team will explain which symptoms are expected and how to manage them. Take pain relief as directed in your discharge instructions. Check with your treating team before adding other medicines, particularly anti-inflammatory medicines if you take blood thinners or have kidney problems.
Severe, worsening or unexpected pain should be assessed. Do not assume it is a normal part of recovery.
Caring for Your Puncture Site or Wound
Many interventional radiology procedures are performed through a small puncture in the skin. This may be in the groin, wrist, arm, neck or another area, depending on your procedure. You may notice a small amount of bruising or tenderness around the site. Follow your discharge instructions about:
- when to remove or change your dressing
- when you can shower
- how long to avoid baths, swimming or soaking the area
- any restrictions on lifting or using the affected limb.
Call 000 if bleeding is heavy, does not stop, or you feel faint or unwell.
Your Medications
Your discharge instructions will explain which medications to continue, which to restart and whether any new medicines are required. If blood-thinning or diabetes medication was adjusted before your procedure, make sure you know when and how to resume it.
Do not stop, restart or change blood-thinning medication without clear instructions from your treating team.
Take any prescribed antibiotics or other medicines as directed. If you are unsure about your medication plan, contact the rooms, hospital or your pharmacist.
Eating and Drinking
Once your treating team has advised that it is safe, you can usually return gradually to your normal food and drinks. If you feel nauseated, small meals and regular sips of fluid may be easier to tolerate. Maintain your usual fluid intake unless you have been given different advice or have a fluid restriction for another medical condition. Seek medical advice if you have persistent vomiting or cannot keep fluids down.
Returning to Normal Activities
Rest and Walking
Allow time to rest after your procedure. Once you have been cleared to mobilise, gentle walking is often encouraged. Increase your activity gradually according to your discharge instructions and how you feel.Returning to Work
The time needed away from work depends on your procedure and whether your job involves desk work, driving, prolonged standing or physical activity. Discuss your work requirements with Dr McConnell so you can plan an appropriate recovery period. Ask the team if you need a medical certificate.Exercise and Heavy Lifting
You may need to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or activities that place pressure on the puncture site for a period after treatment. Your team will advise when you can resume gym training, running, cycling, swimming and other activities.Driving
Return to driving only when the advised restriction period has passed, you are no longer affected by sedating medication and you can comfortably control the vehicle and perform an emergency stop.Flying and Travel
Check with Dr McConnell before arranging flights or long-distance travel soon after your procedure. Advice will depend on your treatment, recovery, clotting risk and any follow-up care required.When to Seek Medical Attention
Call 000 for an Emergency
Call an ambulance if you develop:- chest pain or sudden difficulty breathing
- collapse or loss of consciousness
- sudden weakness, facial drooping or difficulty speaking
- heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
- swelling of the tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing suggesting a severe allergic reaction.
Seek Urgent Medical Advice
Contact your treating team promptly, or attend an emergency department if you cannot reach them, for:- severe or worsening pain despite prescribed medication
- increasing swelling or an enlarging lump at the puncture site
- fever, shaking chills or feeling increasingly unwell
- spreading redness or discharge from a wound
- persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- inability to pass urine when you would normally expect to
- new leg swelling or calf pain
- new numbness, weakness, or a cold or pale hand or foot.
Follow Up After Your Procedure
Follow-up helps assess your recovery and response to treatment. Depending on your procedure, this may involve a consultation, ultrasound or other imaging. Some treatments produce gradual improvement over weeks or months rather than an immediate change. Follow the review schedule provided by Dr McConnell. If you have not received your follow-up arrangements, contact the rooms. You do not need to wait until your scheduled appointment to raise a concern about your recovery.
Aftercare for Your Procedure
Your treatment may involve additional instructions about pain relief, activity, compression or follow-up imaging. For information about the procedure you have received, visit:
Varicose vein treatment is provided through Vein Doctors Sydney, who will give you aftercare instructions for that treatment.
Always use your personalised discharge instructions as your main guide to recovery.
Questions About Your Recovery
If you are unsure about your medications, wound care, activity restrictions or follow-up arrangements, contact Dr Ryan McConnell’s rooms. For urgent concerns outside opening hours, use the hospital contact details provided on discharge or attend your nearest emergency department.