Preparing for your procedure
One week before surgery
Prescriptions for pain and sleep will be given to you at your pre-operative visit in our office. Please have them filled at your pharmacy prior to your surgery.
Arrange transportation home from the surgery center since you must be discharged to someone you know.
Arrange for transportation to our office the next day – typically to arrive between 9 and 10 a.m. You will be here for at least two hours. At this time we will change your dressing, evaluate your pain level, x-rays/MRI will be taken if ordered, and you will see one of our physical therapists.
Arrange physical therapy appointments at our office or at a therapy office near your home/work. We encourage you to arrange for three times a week for six weeks and then a strengthening program with our strength coach until you are fitter, faster, and stronger™ than you were before your injury.
Day before surgery
Your surgery center’s pre-operative nurse will phone you the day before your surgery. I
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. This includes water, gum or candy. If you do so, your surgery will be cancelled.
Morning of surgery
Please shower with an antimicrobial soap called Hibiclens the evening before and the morning of your surgery.
Please bring or wear baggy sweat pants or shorts for knee/ankle surgery OR a loose open front shirt for shoulder surgery. This is to accommodate the large dressing and/or brace. It is also helpful with shoulder surgeries to wear elastic waistband pants.
If you are must take medication (blood pressure, diabetes, etc.) it must be pre-approved by the pre-operative nurse and/or anesthesiologist at the surgical facility.
Please remember that someone you know must bring you home from the surgery center; however, there is limited space in the waiting area for family and friends.
Items to bring with you to the surgery center on the morning of your surgery
Crutches, ice machine, or brace if you have them.
A book or something to read in case they are running late.
Your insurance card and driver's license.
Glasses / contacts if needed for the sign-in forms at the surgery center.
A case to put your contacts into during surgery. Patients who have general anesthesia cannot wear their contacts during surgery. This is to prevent a corneal abrasion. Please discuss this with your anesthesiologist if you have any concerns.
Do not wear jewelry or bring any valuables to the surgery center.