Once you and Dr. Austin Chen have made a decision that surgery is your best course of action, you may have a number of questions and concerns. In order to better prepare you, here are some main things to know about your upcoming surgical procedure.
The week leading up to surgery
Medications and health-related issues:
Herbs, supplements and NSAIDS
It is important to stop all herbal remedies, supplements, aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naproxen, etc.) SEVEN DAYS BEFORE surgery. There may be some basic supplements (vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that may be okay to continue taking, but ONLY with the consent of Dr. Chen.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is OKAY to take if needed for pain.
Prescription medications
If you are taking a prescription blood thinner (Coumadin, Plavix, etc.) on a regular basis for heart problems or a stroke, please contact Dr. Chen immediately for further instructions.
If you take medications for blood pressure, heart, acid reflux, and/or seizures, you may take it the morning of surgery with water.
DO NOT take any diabetic medicine the day of surgery (unless otherwise instructed). However, please bring the diabetic medication with you.
Please provide Dr. Austin Chen and the nursing staff with an accurate list of your daily medications. Continue to take all prescription medications as normal unless otherwise informed by Dr. Chen or nursing staff. You will be instructed on which ones to take on the day of surgery.
If you experience any health changes including but not limited to; elevated temperature, cold, cough, running nose, infection or flu-like symptoms, please notify your doctor immediately. This may cause a delay in your surgery.
What can I eat and drink before surgery?
It is imperative that you DO NOT consume any food or liquids AFTER MIDNIGHT on the evening prior to your surgery date. Food and drinks can cause complications with anesthesia. This includes mints and chewing gum. Do not smoke, chew tobacco, or consume alcohol for AT LEAST 24 hours before surgery.
What should I wear to the surgery?
Please wear comfortable, loose clothing to the surgery. Wear flat sole, slip-on walking shoes. Do not wear a watch or any jewelry. Please remove any body piercings. You may wear dentures and glasses, however, it is recommended that you bring the case to place them in during surgery. If you wear contacts, they will need to be removed, so bring your solution and case.
Can I brush my teeth?
You may brush your teeth the night before the surgery, but DO NOT swallow liquids after midnight.
How should I plan on getting home?
All patients are NOT permitted to drive a car or leave the surgery center or hospital unattended after surgery. Please make arrangements to have someone there to attend to your needs and to drive you home. Plan on having someone to watch over you for 24 hours after surgery.
Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and slings
The use of a wheelchair, walker, crutches or a sling may be necessary after your surgery. Here are a few things to consider with their use:
- Find our what assistive device you will be using after your surgery and visit a medical supply provider, or the Boulder Centre for Orthopedics to practice using this equipment. It may take some getting used to.
- In preparation for using a wheelchair or crutches, start a upper body strength routine. This will make their use much more manageable.
- You may apply for a temporary Handicap Parking permit. Please discuss this with Dr. Chen to see if this may be applicable for you. Receiving the permit may take several weeks so remember to discuss this with Dr. Chen in advance.
- Bring your ambulatory device (wheelchair, crutches, sling, walker) with you on the day or your surgery. Present them at check-in.
