Helpful Hints for Your Surgery
We want you to feel prepared for your surgery. Your experience is very important to us, and we want it to go as smoothly as possible. If you ever have any questions please do not hesitate to call our office.
Before Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery.
- You will need someone to drive you to and from your surgery. They must stay with you.
Taxis or a ride share service is not an option. - You will not be able to drive until you are completely off of pain medication and are
comfortable that you can drive safely. Arrange a driver for at least the first week. - Have plenty of ice packs available to use after surgery.
- Have plenty of loose fitting, easy to put on clothing to wear after surgery. You may need
someone to help with this for the first several days.
Day of Surgery
- Bring your driver’s license (ID) and insurance card with you to the surgery center.
- Wear your glasses, not contact lenses.
- You may be required to remove all metal jewelry and piercings for surgery.
- Leave valuables such as jewelry at home.
- You will need someone to stay with you for at least one night after surgery.
After Surgery
- Begin taking your pain medication at the first sign of pain or your block wearing off. It
will be much more manageable if you stay ahead of the pain. - If you live greater than 2 hours away, we recommend you stay in a hotel (list provided).
- If traveling a long distance, remember to keep surgical extremity elevated after surgery.
- Any braces, slings, boots are to be worn at all times, except for in the shower and while at therapy.
- Take all of your prescribed antibiotics post-operatively.