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Surgery - What to Expect

There are a number of things you will need to do in advance of your upcoming orthopedic surgical procedure, as well as just getting prepared for the big day. Use our checklists to help you plan for your procedure.

Before Your Surgery

  1. You will have a pre-operative visit with one of our office nurses.
  2. You will be asked about your and your family's health history.
  3. You will need to provide the names and dosages of your current medications.
  4. Please advise the staff of any medication allergies, latex allergies, or sensitivities.
  5. Additional tests may be ordered based on your medical history.
  6. You will sign the consent for your surgical procedure.
  7. You will receive a privacy notice.
  8. Any financial issues will be addressed professionally and discreetly.
  9. Medication instructions will be given for the day of surgery.
  10. If you need a sling, immobilizer, crutches, walkers or any other durable medical equipment, you will be fitted at this time (for items not covered by Medicare or insurance, a nominal fee of $20.00 is charged).

The Day Before Your Surgery

  1. You will be contacted by our staff with final instructions and arrival time for your surgery.
  2. Arrange for an adult to stay with you and drive you home following your surgery
  3. Please restrict the number of family members to 2.
  4. You must follow the eating and drinking limitations given to you by the staff (this includes candy, gum and mints). If you do not follow these instructions, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.
  5. Follow the medication instructions given to you at your pre-op visit.

The Day of Surgery

  1. Plan to arrive at your assigned time. Your prompt arrival will allow adequate time for the necessary pre-surgical procedures.
  2. The hospital staff will check you in when you arrive.
  3. Leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
  4. Do not smoke. It can interfere with anesthesia and make you nauseated post-operatively.
  5. Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothes that are easy to take off and put on.
  6. Hospital staff will prepare you for your surgery by asking questions, taking vital signs, and starting an IV if necessary.
  7. Anesthesia will visit you at this time. They will discuss with you the anesthesia planned for your procedure.
  8. Please notify the staff if you think you could be pregnant.
  9. After your surgery you will be taken to the recovery room.
  10. In recovery, you will be monitored until you are stable. You will usually spend 30 minutes in the recovery room.
  11. The surgeon will speak to your family after the surgery.
  12. When you are awake a member of your family may join you in the recovery room.
  13. Post operative instructions will be given to you and your family at this time. Because the medicine used may cause amnesia, a written copy of instructions will be provided.

When You Go Home

  1. Take it easy, rest and elevate your surgical limb.
  2. Follow your post operative instructions.
  3. Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
  4. Do not sign any important papers or operate any heavy equipment for 24 hours.
  5. Do not drive a car for 24 hours or while taking pain medications.
  6. One of our nurses will call you the next day to see how you are doing.
  7. You can call our office with any non-emergency questions at (478) 745-4206. Our office hours are from 8:00 to 5:30. After hours, the on-call doctor will be contacted.
  8. In case of emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
  9. Please complete and return the patient satisfaction survey. Your feedback will allow us to continuously improve.