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Pre and Post Operative Information
Supplements & Medications to Avoid Before Surgery
Do not take any brand/type of aspirin before your surgery as they contain ingredients that inhibit blood clotting and cause difficulties during and after surgery. If you need an aspirin-free fever reducer and pain reliever, take Tylenol. If you smoke, you should not smoke for at least 2 weeks prior and at least 2 weeks after your surgery. Smoking significantly reduces your body’s superficial circulation and vascularity. This means difficulty in bringing much needed oxygen to your tissues for proper healing.
Important Things to Remember before Your Surgery
- Start your antibiotic as instructed by your doctor or pre-operative nurse.
Bring all of your medications to the hospital the day of your surgery. The nurse will determine which ones will be given just prior to surgery. - DO NOT eat or drink any solid food or liquids after midnight the night before your surgery. This is done to prevent you from vomiting while under anesthesia. This is VERY IMPORTANT for your safety, your surgery will be cancelled if you do not follow this simple but important rule.
- Wear comfortable clothing the day of surgery. Preferably a blouse/shirt that buttons/zips up the front and loose pants/shorts. Blue jeans and tee shirts are very difficult to put back on when you are ready to go home due to their restrictive nature and are not recommended.
- DO NOT wear any makeup, jewelry, piercings, or contact lens the day of surgery (makeup must be removed prior to surgery).
- Do not bring any valuables such as your cell phone, jewelry, purse, etc. (unless you leave them with the person accompanying you on your surgery day).
- You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home following your surgery. Since you will have several medications during your surgery, you will NOT be allowed to drive yourself home.
Preparing Your Home For Your Recovery
Proper recovery is one of the most important elements of your surgery. It is important that your prepare yourself and your surroundings for the most comfortable recovery possible. Here are a few tips we have found that will make your recovery, especially in the first few days, as easy as possible.
- Have your meals prepared in advance.
- Ensure all errands are complete. You will not be able to do this post surgery.
- Buy all the medications, vitamins and dressings beforehand.
- Organize all your medications in a pill “case” or labeled containers.
- Have pillows on a comfortable recliner ready.
- Have a bucket ready with a lid ready in the event that you get sick.
- Place bottled water and a few packages of crackers near your bed (see the point above).
- Have extra blankets nearby as anesthesia can give you the “chills” after surgery.
- A heating pad, hot water bottle or microwaveable pack is great for a sore back.
- Keep a robe, slippers, a few comfortable oversized shirts that open from the front on hand, as well as some sweat pants or pajama bottoms.
- Have a good moisturizer on hand – a must.
- Wash your hair the night before surgery – it may be a long time before you get to do that again.
- Remove any fingernail and toenail polish.
