Pre-Operative Instructions
The staff at Baldwin Area Medical Center want to help you have the best surgery experience possible. Please review the following data to help you prepare for surgery:
THE WEEK BEFORE SURGERY
- Stop by the Hospital between 7am-3pm Monday-Friday to speak with a Surgery Nurse in person. The nurse will review the surgery process, let you know specific instructions for your surgery and answer any questions you have. Patient’s undergoing total joint replacement surgery will also meet with our physical therapists and anti-coagulation therapy program nurses to plan care in the hospital and after discharge.
- You will meet with your primary doctor, or the surgeon to complete a physical to make sure you are healthy enough to undergo surgery and anesthesia. If you have diabetes, please ask your provider for specific instructions about your diabetic medications on your surgery day. If your primary physician is at another facility please have them fax the completed paperwork to us at 715-684-3715.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Motrin, Nuprin or Advil), Coumadin, and other medications may cause excessive bleeding. Ask your doctor if you should stop taking these drugs or other medicines before your surgery.
- Plan to have someone drive you to the hospital and pick you up after your surgery. You may also need extra help when you get home. Plan for this ahead of time. If you are having outpatient surgery, you must have a family member or friend with you after surgery to review your instructions, drive you home, and stay with you until you’re feeling better.
- If you develop a fever, cold or rash, or suspect that you are pregnant please inform your surgeon and/or contact us at 715-684-8684. It may be necessary to postpone your surgery.
- Contact your insurance company to make sure you are approved and covered for surgery. Make sure you understand your coverage. Any co-pays or percentages not covered by insurance will be your responsibility. You may be asked to provide partial payment for your surgery before it can be scheduled.
- Remove nail polish if you will be having surgery on your hand or foot.
- Do not shave your surgical site for at least one week prior to surgery.
- Stop smoking as soon as you can before surgery, it is important that you not smoke at least the evening before and the morning of surgery. Your lungs will work better and your blood stream will improve, helping you heal more quickly. An event like surgery is a great time to quit smoking permanently.
THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY
- We will call you to let you know what time you should arrive for your surgery the day prior to surgery.
- Please do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before your surgery. This includes gum, mints, coffee and water. Babies and people with diabetes may receive special instructions tailored to individual needs.
- Please bathe or shower with an antibacterial soap, either the night before or the morning of surgery. Do not apply lotions, creams, powders or deodorant after bathing.
THE DAY OF SURGERY
- Please wear comfortable and loose clothing that will be easy to put on and take off.
- Please do not wear any make-up, jewelry or fingernail polish.
- Bring all insurance cards, picture ID and any credit cards needed for payment with you on the day of surgery.
- Remeber not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before your surgery.
- Bring a complete list of your medications including: name, dose, and reason you take it.
WHAT ABOUT MY FAMILY?
Family members may stay with you until you go to the operating room. At that time, the surgeon requests that family members wait in the family room on 1st floor.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
After your surgical procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be under observation until you are awake and prepared for discharge or brought to your hospital room to continue recovery.
AFTER DISCHARGE AT HOME
When you return home, you should follow your physicians’ instructions on diet, activity, and medications. It is common to feel dizzy or sleepy for several hours and you should feel more like yourself in 24-48 hours.
It is suggested that you rest the remainder of the day and do not drink alcoholic beverages for the rest of the day or night. We also recommend that you do not operate any motor vehicles or heavy machinery for 24 hours.
If you have any questions or are concerned about your progress, you should not hesitate to contact your physician. If you should be unable to locate your physician, please feel free to contact the hospital for assistance at 684-8684.