Morning of Surgery

If you are under the age of 19, your parent or guardian MUST be present before your surgery and sign a consent form in order for us to treat you.

Medications
Only take medications as directed by your surgeon and primary care physician.

Common medications that are sometimes directed to avoid are insulin or oral diabetic drugs, diuretics (water pills), tranquilizers, or pain medications. Aspirin, ibuprofen, diet medications and blood thinners are usually halted seven days prior to surgery. But we advise you to check with your physician and surgeon to get the appropriate list of medications you should discontinue before your surgery.

Bring all your medications in the original bottles including eye-drops, inhalers, and any herbals or supplements. This will help us verify that we have all of your medication information correct for your hospital stay.

Personal Care/Hygiene
Lightly wash your entire body (from the neck down) with a special CHG soap such as Exidine or Hibiclens according to your surgeon’s directions. Your surgeon may provide you with the soap, a special nylon sponge and bathing instructions.

Do not wear makeup including eye makeup.

Documents
Bring a copy of your Advance Directive (if you have one) and you insurance card and photo ID.

Personal Belongings and Money
Do not bring valuables or money unless you have been asked to bring a deposit for your surgery.

Jewelry
Remove all jewelry, including any earrings or other piercings, along with watches prior to surgery. It is suggested to leave them at home to avoid losing these items.

Clothing
Bring any needed personal items and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and good walking shoes.

Bring/wear appropriate clothing for your surgery:

• Arm/wrist/shoulder surgery: all shirts must button up the front.
• Hip and knee replacement: shorts, t-shirts, and athletic pants with the snaps on the side work very well. Bring three pairs of shorts and pants. You need slippers for sitting up in the chair and comfortable walking shoes to use during your physical therapy.
• Knee and ankle surgery: athletic pants with the snaps of the side work very well or loose fitting pants and shorts that can slip over a bulky dressing.
  

Eye Care
Wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses and bring a container for your glasses.

CPAP Machine
Bring your CPAP machine if you use one for sleep apnea. It is very common for patients with sleep apnea to spend the first post-operative night at the hospital. Even if you are not scheduled to stay overnight with us, please bring it with you. We will want to monitor your breathing using your normal equipment.

Arrival Time
Arrive at the hospital two hours before your surgery and check in at the front desk. However, patients scheduled for a 7 a.m. surgery should arrive at 5:30 a.m.

Do NOT
The following is a quick list of things to not do before your surgery. Some of these may have been repeated earlier, but it is very important for your safety that all directions are followed.

• No eating or drinking fluids 8 hours prior to arrival
  
• Leave valuables at home
  
• No smoking or chewing tobacco prior to surgery
  
• All piercings are to be removed prior to arrival at hospital
  
• Do not wear any finger or toe nail polish
  
• Take only medications instructed by your physician, if any
  
• Do not bring electronic equipment (ipod, video games, portable DVD) with you. If you are staying overnight, please pack them in your overnight bags.
  
• No shaving from the neck down for 48 hours prior to surgery.
  
• Do not put any markings on your body such as a “Yes” on your operable area. We’ll do this according to our policy when you arrive for surgery.