WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
- Identify a family member or friend to pick you up from your surgery or procedure and be available with you for the following 24 hours. You will not be permitted to drive yourself home. You may not take an Uber home without an escort to accompany you.
- Prepare your designated driver to be available to pick you up within 30 minutes of being notified by staff that you are ready to go home.
- Notify your surgeon if you are taking Coumadin (warfarin). Your surgeon will tell you when to stop taking it (usually three to five days before surgery).
- Call your doctor if signs and symptoms of an infection or cold develop prior to your appointment.
- Check with your surgeon to determine if any specific antiseptic showering or bowel preparation will be required.
- Check with your surgeon if you feel you need pain medication.
WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO:
- Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products one week before surgery. However, if you are on aspirin, Plavix, Aggrenox or any other blood thinner, follow the instructions provided by your surgeon, neurologist or cardiologist. If you receive conflicting instructions, please contact your surgeon’s office.
- Do not take herbal supplements, including vitamin E and Fish Oil, one week before surgery.
- Do not take anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Daypro, Aleve, Naprosyn, naproxen, etc.) for five days prior to surgery, or as instructed by your surgeon.
- Do not shave the operative site for 48 hours prior.
- Do not smoke because it inhibits the healing process.