Instructions for the Patient Before and After Surgery

At your appointment before your surgery, your healthcare provider will go over the instructions you should follow before the surgery. After the surgery, your provider will discuss instructions for care of your wound and recovery from the surgery. Be sure you discuss any questions or concerns you have about preparing for and recovering from the surgery.

Instructions Before Surgery

____ Please arrive at the appointment time: _______ at ________________________.

____ Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks before your procedure. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.

____ If you need a minor pain reliever in the week before surgery, choose acetaminophen rather than aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. This helps avoid extra bleeding during surgery. If you are taking daily aspirin for a medical condition, ask your provider if you need to stop taking it before your surgery.

____ If you need to have any lab tests or X-rays before surgery, have them done at least 2 days before the day you have surgery. Bring your X-rays or test results with you.

____ The evening before surgery you can have a normal meal, but make sure it is not a heavy meal. Do not drink any alcohol.

____ After midnight the night before surgery do not eat or drink anything, including:

• water
• food
• chewing gum
• candy

____ If you take medicines daily, ask your healthcare provider when you should take your last doses before surgery.

____ Take the following medicines with a sip of water on the day of surgery: ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________

____ On the morning of your surgery, take a bath or shower.

____ Do not bring valuables such as jewelry or money.

____ Do not put on makeup, nail polish, acrylic nails, lotion, deodorant, or antiperspirant on the morning of your surgery.

____ Wear comfortable clothes. Wear your eyeglasses or hearing aides if you have them.

____ Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery if you expect to go home the same day as your surgery. Do not drive a car or operate machinery for 24 hours after your procedure.

____ Make arrangements for help at home while you are recovering from the surgery.

____ Follow any other special instructions your provider gives you.

Instructions After Surgery

____ Ask your healthcare provider which of the following medicines you should use for pain:

___ acetaminophen (Tylenol)

___ anti-inflammatories (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen)

___ prescription pain medicines

____ Ice packs wrapped in a cloth or towel and placed on the area of pain may help the first 24 hours.

____ Ask your provider how to care for your surgical wound. This includes knowing:

___ when to change the dressing

___ when to bathe or shower and if you need to protect your dressing during bathing

___ whether you need to protect your dressing when you bathe

____ Ask your provider if you need to limit your activity and for how long.

____ Ask your provider whether you should expect nausea and vomiting or other side effects and how you should treat them.

____ Ask your provider when you should call about:

___ fever higher than 100°F (37.8°C)

___ bleeding

___ worsening pain

___ worsening swelling

___ trouble breathing

____ Make your follow-up appointment according to your provider's instructions.

____ Follow any other instructions your provider gives you.

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Published by RelayHealth.
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