Preparing for Surgery:What You Need to Know
Blood Thinners
Let your doctor know if you’re taking any blood thinners (e.g., Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, Lovenox). These must be stopped at least 10 days before surgery.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Avoid medications like Advil, Aleve, or Voltaren at least 5 days before surgery due to their blood-thinning effects.
Smoking
Stop smoking immediately. It impacts healing, spinal fusion, and can worsen brain vascular issues. Ask your doctor for help quitting.
Antibiotic Allergies
Inform us if you have any allergies to antibiotics, as you will be given a dose before surgery.
Prior Surgery or Anesthesia Issues
Let us know if you’ve had problems with past surgeries or anesthesia during your pre-op visit.
Pre-Surgery Prep:What Else You Need to Prepare
Aside from medical prep, there are a few more things to take care of before your surgery. These practical tips will help you feel more prepared, safe, and supported – both at home and at the hospital. Involving your family and making small changes around the house can make a big difference in your recovery.
Medical Checkup
See your primary care doctor to make sure you are in good medical status for surgery. In certain circumstances, we may ask for a formal clearance from your medical doctor or specialist. Inform us of all your medications before surgery, including over-the-counter medications and remedies.
Night Before Surgery
Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery, including water, chewing gum, and mints. Further instructions for surgery day will be given to you at your hospital pre-operative visit.
Your Family’s Role
- Help with daily tasks like appointments, errands, and meals. Be supportive, involve family members, and offer a listening ear - treatment can feel overwhelming.
- Expect emotional ups and downs. Sharing feelings openly helps your loved one feel supported and less alone.
- Surgery timing may be based on your loved one’s condition - stay flexible and informed.
- Keep all follow-up visits and ensure medications are taken as directed.
- Be patient with mood changes, pain, or fatigue during recovery.
Getting Your Home Ready
- Place things where you can get them without reaching or bending.
- Pick up clutter.
- Remove throw rugs.
- Tape down electrical cords to avoid any accidents
- Arrange for someone to help you with household duties and cleaning if possible.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery.
Day of Surgery
Arrive at the hospital a few hours before your surgery. If you have not preregistered, you will have forms to fill out. After you change into a gown, certain tests may be done. Then, one or more IV lines may be started. These lines provide the fluids and medications you need during surgery. If we are using monitoring (SSEPs and MEPs) during the surgery, the professionals performing the monitoring will introduce themselves and answer your questions. You will then meet your surgeon, who may perform a brief physical exam.
Anesthesia
At the start of your surgery, in most cases, you will be given general anesthesia. This medication will make you sleep through the surgery. An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist is in charge of the anesthesia. He or she may meet with you before the surgery begins to talk with you and answer any questions.
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