Pre-Operative Instructions

Things to know before surgery:

Discuss medications you are taking with your doctor and family physician to see if you should stop taking them before surgery.
If you smoke, you should stop or cut-down to decrease the risks and complications associated and improve your outcome after surgery.
Eat a well balanced diet, supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron
Report any previous infections to your surgeon.
Arrange for someone to help out with everyday tasks such as cooking, shopping, and household chores as these may be difficult right after surgery.
The scheduled surgery time may be subject to change. If that change needs to occur someone will contact you prior to surgery.
You must have a friend or relative drive you home after surgery.
You should have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

One week before your scheduled surgery you should stop anti-inflammatory medicines such as advil, ibuprofen, aspirin, or aleve. These medicines may cause issues with bleeding during your surgery
Please make sure to schedule your first post-operative appointment and first post-operative physical therapy appointment to ensure no scheduling conflicts.
Please fill out and complete any preoperative forms or research surveys.
If you are going to be on crutches post-op, please watch this video for proper use.

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT prior to surgery.
Please read and watch a crutch training video prior to surgery (include link).
Nursing staff will contact you prior to surgery to go over any issues. If you have not been contacted please call the appropriate facility or the WOA office.

Take the medications that you have been cleared to take the morning of surgery with a very small sip of water. No other eating or drinking on the day of surgery.
If you are a diabetic, please DO NOT take your insulin but bring it with you on the day of surgery. If you are a diabetic please contact the facility or the office for special instructions.
You may want to bring your post-op medications with you the day of surgery especially if you have a longer car ride home.
Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing.
Please remove make up and nail polish.
Leave all valuable and jewelry at home.
If you wear contact lenses please leave them at home or bring a case with solution.