Nobody wants to have surgery, but it's sometimes necessary to treat chronic health problems or injuries. Orthopedic surgery is elective but necessary to correct issues like joint problems from arthritis or fractures or chronic issues like knee pain, hip pain, or shoulder discomfort.
Preparing for surgery is an essential step in the process and often starts weeks to months before the day of the procedure. You may need a physical exam and bloodwork, and know what medications to stop before surgery to prevent complications.
If you need orthopaedic surgery, the Orthopaedic Specialists team provides instructions and tips to ensure you're ready on your big day. Dr. Brandon Downs is our orthopaedic surgeon who offers various types of surgery to improve your quality of life, including total joint replacements and MAKO robotic joint replacements.
Each type of surgery is different, as is each person's specific health, so everyone may need to start preparing at varying times for surgery. Preparing for surgery also depends on how far out your procedure is from the time of booking.
For example, you may have a procedure booked for several months from now, so you may only need to do something in the month of the surgery. Or you may need a procedure within the next few weeks, so you should start preparing immediately.
Prepare your home and health when you schedule the procedure. It's essential to be as healthy as possible before undergoing surgery, so quit smoking, lose weight, and take care of any illnesses before the big day.
Talking to Dr. Downs about your medications is another way to prepare for your upcoming procedure. You can keep taking some medicines, while we suggest you stop others to prevent bleeding and complications during your procedure.
Dr. Downs tells you which medications you can continue to take and which you should stop before surgery. You can take some medicines up to a week before the procedure.
Any medication that thins the blood is a no-no before surgery. If you take antiplatelet medicines, blood thinners, or anti-inflammatories, be sure to mention it to Dr. Downs so you know when to stop taking them to prevent excessive bleeding during your procedure.
Our team calls you the day before your procedure with your arrival time and instructions to follow. Make sure your house is ready for you when you come home, and pack a few things to bring with you, including:
If you stay overnight in the hospital after surgery, bring a book or anything else to pass the time until you go home.
Be sure to ask any questions during the phone call and know when you can eat and drink the night before. Arrange your ride the next day and ensure they can stay with you for 24 hours if you have outpatient surgery.
Be sure you arrive on time and check in with our team on the day of surgery. You can shower the morning of surgery; however, refrain from shaving any part of your body. Dry off, but don't put deodorant, lotion, makeup, or hair products before coming in.
Put on clean, comfortable clothes that you can easily take off and put on. Ensure you have everything you need to avoid delays when you get to our facility.
Please remove all jewelry, including body piercings, before coming in for surgery. Also, keep all valuables at home to avoid losing or misplacing them during surgery.
Bring anything else you may need, including hearing aids, glasses, assistive devices, and braces, after surgery. It's essential to have everything you need to avoid delays.
Only eat something after midnight on the day of your surgery, or your procedure may not happen. Follow our directions on when you can last have clear liquids before surgery. Be ready to answer questions about your previous health history and surgical history to ensure the anesthesiologist has all the information they need for a safe surgery.
Lastly, ask Dr. Downs any questions before going to the operating room.
Call Orthopaedic Specialists today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Downs for pre-surgery or request a consultation on our website.
