After you've had an examination under anaesthetic

It’s normal to feel some discomfort for the first 48 hours after an examination under anaesthetic (EUA). Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has produced the following information to help you cope during that time.

Usually paracetamol is enough to relieve any pain, but if you need stronger medicine, we’ll give you some before you go home.

If, when you get home, you feel that you need more powerful pain relief, you should call your family doctor (GP) or ask a parent or carer to call your family doctor. Keep the discharge letter from GOSH by the telephone in case your family doctor needs some details about the EUA. You can also telephone the ward for advice.

Always follow the instructions on the pain relief bottle or packet and never take more than the recommended dose.

As well as taking pain relief medicine, you might want to use distractions, like reading, watching TV or playing video games, to keep your mind off the pain.

After the anaesthetic, you may feel sick for 24 hours. You may not feel like eating for the first couple of days, but it’s important to drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.

You may be tired and a little clumsy for 24 hours after the anaesthetic, so don’t do any activities that might lead to a fall. You should stay off school for one day until to give yourself enough time to recover from the anaesthetic.

• If you’re in a lot of pain and pain relief medicine doesn’t seem to help.
• If you’re not drinking any fluids after the first day back home.