Surgery Day At Last!

These are just suggested guidelines to follow and do. Your surgeon is the voice of authority. Do as he or she tells you or follow the instructions on the list that he or she provides. If you didn't get a list, ask for one. Many tips are very important while others will simply make the ride home much more comfortable. Jolts and bumps from potholes can cause more discomfort than you'd think.

Of course, it all depends on how long your surgery was and if the local anesthesia injections are wearing off. Your pain threshold and whether or not you were given some of your pain medications for the ride home can make a big difference.

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Be sure to arrive at the hospital or surgery center on time. You should have the arrival time in your information packet or at least confirm the night before and make the proper notation. If you are late, the surgeon may cancel your surgery and charge you for it anyway. Then the surgery fee is nonrefundable.

Arrive at the hospital or surgery center freshly-scrubbed, with clean and dry hair and in clean clothes. Be sure that you have thoroughly washed with the instructed soap, and have not applied any lotions, deodorants, talcum or baby powders, perfumes, make-up, or body spray.

Wear comfortable, easily-accessible, loose-fitting, front-buttoning clothing and slippers.

No eating or drinking after midnight of the evening prior to your surgery. If your surgery is in the afternoon or evening, follow your surgeon or anesthesiologist's instructions.

Leave all valuables at home. This includes rings, watches, earrings or other jewelry. Do not bring large sums of money to the surgery center or hospital unless you are instructed to pay for the balance of your surgery fee. If any of these items become "lost", the hospital or surgeon is not responsible.

Take all instructed medications with only a few sips of water before you leave home. This may include vitamin C, antibiotics, prednisone, anti-anxiety medications, Arnica montana, bromelain tablets, etc. Also bring with you any instructed medications, including pain relievers.

Should you develop a fever, chills or other signs of a cold or other infection, call your surgeon's office immediately. You should never be operated on with an already stressed immune system.

Bring with you your surgery bras, support and compression garments or bandages.

Bring your postoperative car kit and supplies such as pillows, bottled water, crackers, coffee can with lid, blanket, towel, etc. for the ride home.

Don't forget your sunglasses. The sun may hurt your eyes and can cause a headache, which is the last thing you need.

Bring your camera if you wish to document your experience directly before your surgery and your immediate recovery.