Preparing For Surgery
Our Surgical Coordinator is very experienced in helping our patients from the start of scheduling your surgery all the way thru your post operative appointment. If at anytime you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call (301) 565-3305 or (301) 681-5400.
Once you and your doctor have decided that surgery will help you, it is important to learn what to expect from the surgery and how to prepare. Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step towards a successful result.
We will schedule your surgery well in advance. If you have to cancel your surgery for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible. Together we will schedule an appointment for you to see your surgeon post operatively (after surgery).
Prior to your surgery date the following pre-op orders, which will be given to you, in writing, by the surgery coordinator, must be completed:
- Complete physical exam by your family physician. If you do not have a family physician your physical can be done at the hospital.
- Blood work and in some cases an EKG.
All of these pre tests are very routine, and are usually preformed within 30 days of your surgery date.
- You can not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to your procedure.
- Please wear loose fitted clothing to the hospital.
- Leave all jewelry and items of personal value at home.
- If you are taking any aspirin products or anti-inflammatory medications or any drugs that increase the risk of bleeding you will be asked to stop taking them one week prior to surgery to minimize bleeding.
- You will also be asked to provide the surgeon with a complete list of all medications you are currently taking. Discuss any medications you are taking with your family physician to see which ones you should stop taking before surgery.
- If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery.
- Report any infections or fevers immediately to your surgeon. Surgery will not be preformed until all infections have been cleared up.
- You will be asked to carry out certain exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve joint motion prior to and after surgery.
- You will be given a brochure explaining the surgery you will be having. This will help you understand how to prepare for your procedure and postoperative care at home.
- Fill your post operative medication prescription prior to your surgery date. This way it will be available to you.
- If you are having same day surgery you will need to have someone take you home. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after surgery.
If you are having a hip or knee replacement there are a few things that can help you prepare and make life easier for your return home.
- Prepare a room on the main level if you normally sleep upstairs. Or set things up so that you have to go upstairs only once a day.
- Put items that you use often within easy reach before surgery, so that you won’t have to reach and bend as often: ie; eyeglasses, tissues, cordless phone etc.
- Have a stable chair with a firm seat cushion, a firm back, and two arms.
- Pick up clutter. Remove any throw rugs and tape down electrical cords.
Special equipment may help you have a safer and easier recovery:
- Raised toilet seat
- A shower seat
- Handrails and grab bars to help you steady yourself, especially when getting in and out of the tub
- A grasping device to pull on socks and shoes
Arrange for help. After a total joint replacement, you won’t be able to drive for a few weeks. Perhaps a family member or friend can deliver groceries and help run errands. If you live alone, ask someone to stay with you for a few days after surgery. By planning ahead now, you will have less to worry about during recovery.
It is very important that you feel comfortable about your surgery. Any questions you may have are important questions. Please do not hesitate to call our Surgical Coordinator at 301-565-3305. Our goal is to have you lead a healthy life.