Preparing for Surgery

Week of Surgery

Anti-inflammatory medications Keep in mind that your physician may not want you to take any aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, etc.) for the 14 days before surgery. You may be able to take Tylenol or medicines with acetaminophen. Be sure to discuss this with your physician.
Write down all of the medication you take, the dose, and how often . You will want to take this with you when you pre-admit at the hospital.

Pre-register at the hospital. Your surgeon may suggest that you pre-admit to the hospital typically three to nine days before your surgery. Your insurance will be verified and depending upon your surgeon's instructions, you may have lab work, x-rays, and an EKG. You may want to plan at least 2 1/2 hours to complete the visit. Check with your surgeon to see if an appointment is necessary. You may receive a breathing exerciser. The nurse will review written directions for the exerciser with you. Bring a list of the medicines you are currently taking; this includes the name(s) of the medicine, the dose(s), and how often you take the medication. If you have blood slips from blood you or your family have donated, bring the slips with you and give them to the nurse in the Admissions Area. You may also see someone from the anesthesia department to discuss anesthetic.
Manage finances. You may want to balance your checkbook, pay bills, make arrangements to board pets, and stop the delivery of your newspaper. If you are going to a rehabilitation facility after being discharged from the hospital, you can ask you local post office to hold your mail until you return home.
Go to the supermarket. Make a list of the items you may need once you return from the hospital and purchase these items or arrange for the supermarket to deliver these to your home. If you are going to a rehabilitation facility after your hospital discharge, you will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you to the supermarket or do your shopping for you.

What to bring to the hospital.

Below is a list of things you may want to bring with you to the hospital in preparation for your surgery. Talk with your physician as he/she may have additional information about preparing for your hospital stay.

Your personal belongings should be left in the car until after surgery. Tell your family that your room will be assigned when you are in surgery or in recovery, at which point they can bring your personal items to your room.
Personal grooming items that you may want to pack include a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, eyeglasses/contacts, comb, deodorant, shaving cream/electric razor, shampoo, lotion, undergarments, and a robe.
Bring slippers or flat rubber-soled shoes for walking in the hallways.
Bring loose fitting clothing for your trip home.
Bring any medications you are currently taking. You should also write down your medication information to be given to the hospital staff. Be sure to include the name, strength, and how often you take the medication. Please communicate any allergies you might have to your doctors and the nursing staff.
If you use a breathing exerciser (IBE), be sure to bring it with you from home, as you will probably need this right after surgery. Check with your physician about this.
Leave jewelry, credit cards, car and house keys, checkbooks, and items of personal value at home. Bring only enough pocket money for items such as newspapers, magazines, etc.

Next: Day of Surgery