Before Surgery
Instructions
Do not eat or drink (including water) after midnight the night prior to your surgery. Do not take any aspirin or any aspirin-containing products at least 7 days prior to your surgical procedure. This includes any anti-inflammatory medications. If you have any questions regarding this or any medication you are currently taking on a regular basis, please call and speak to Dr. Gibbs. If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery. Eat a well-balanced diet, supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron. Report any infections to your surgeon. Surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up
Pain Medications
Take 1000mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 8 hours for the two days prior to your surgery. This will decrease the amount of narcotic pain medication you require during surgery and after surgery. Do not take if you have been instructed to avoid this medication by a medical doctor. If you have any questions, please ask Dr. Gibbs.
Day of Surgery
Bathing
Shower the morning of surgery with an antibacterial soap or hibiclens. Wash the operative area (unless in a cast) for approximately 5 minutes and if you are having shoulder surgery wash the armpit and do not wear deodorant.
Instructions
Wear loose fitting clothing for your surgery. If you are having shoulder surgery, wear a button-down shirt. Leave jewelry and other valuables at home. Plan to have a friend of family member drive you to the hospital and home. Do not make important decisions or operate your car or other machinery after surgery.
After Surgery
Appointment
Please call the office prior to, or immediately following, your surgery in order to schedule a post-operative appointment. This should be scheduled 7-14 days after surgery. At that visit you will be given a prescription for physical therapy and, if necessary, a physical therapy protocol.
