About Your Surgery
CONFIRMATION PHONE CALL
A member of our staff will attempt to call you prior to your surgery date to clarify any questions about your health history and confirm the date and time of your arrival.
pREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Please be sure to talk to your physician or their nurse about any daily medication you currently are taking, especially for heart, diabetes or blood pressure problems; be sure to mention any over the counter drugs, including Aspirin or herbal preparations. Our staff will guide you on what medications to take or hold before your surgery.
EATING and Drinking
During your confirmation phone call, a nurse from the surgery center will communicate your eating and drinking instructions.
It is recommended that you DO NOT smoke, chew tobacco, or consume alcohol 24 hours prior to your surgery.
TRANSPORTATION
You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after surgery. Because anesthesia often has lingering effects on the body, we ask that you arrange for someone to drive you home.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Contact the Center for Special Surgery or your surgeon’s office immediately if you experience any change in your health such as fever, cough, cold, flu or infection.
THE MORNING OF SURGERY
Please bring your insurance card.
Leave jewelry, purses, and valuables at home. This includes earrings and other piercings.
Shower or bathe to minimize the chance of infection.
Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
Remove nail polish, makeup and contact lenses prior to your arrival. Please do not wear perfume or lotion.
If it is your child who will be undergoing surgery, please bring along a comforting toy or blanket.
wHEN YOU ARRIVE
Please arrive at the front door of the Center for Special Surgery, “Main Entrance”. Upon arrival, please check in at the reception desk located on the 2nd floor in suite 201.
aFTER SURGERY
Specific home care instructions will be provided.
Do not drive, operate any machinery, drink alcohol or make important decisions for 24 hours following surgery.
We suggest that someone stay with you following surgery.
Please plan to have your prescriptions filled at your pharmacy.
The staff will be able to call your prescriptions to your pharmacy with the exception of some pain relief medication.
fOLLOW-UP
A nurse will call you after your surgery to assure you are feeling well. Please feel free to ask any questions during this call.
Caregivers
Caregivers may leave during surgery; however we do encourage caregivers to remain on-site during surgery because the surgeon, anesthesia team, or nurse may need to consult with you. Parent(s) of minor children having surgery must remain at the surgery center.
Public wireless internet will be available for use in the lobby.
Coffee and water are available in the lobby. Please make arrangements for your dietary needs. Food is allowed in the lobby.