Sometime before your surgery date, a staff member from the hospital will call you to confirm your surgery time. They will also ask you questions regarding current or past medical conditions, allergies and medications you are taking. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have, and be sure to let the staff know of any special needs. The Surgery Nurse will instruct you as to WHAT TIME YOU ARE TO STOP EATING AND DRINKING prior to your surgery.
- If applicable, please provide a copy of legal documents such as a Power of Attorney governing patient health care or legal guardianship
- If you take medication for any condition, ask you doctor and/or the surgery nurse whether or not to take it the day of surgery.
- For women, if there is any possibility you are pregnant, please notify you physician and the surgery nurse.
- Leave all valuables at home, including watches, rings and jewelry.
- Notify your surgeon of any change in your health, such as a cold, fever or sore throat.
- For your safety, please arrange for an adult - 18 years of age or older, to drive you home after surgery. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
DAY OF SURGERY
- In-patient procedures are performed at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital and out-patient procedures are performed at SSM Health Good Samaritan Surgery Center.
- Arrive promptly at the scheduled time. This will allow adequate time for all necessary admission procedures.
- Please bring your insurance card and photo ID. You will be contacted by our business office staff before your procedure to discuss your financial obligations. All co-payments, deductibles, and co-insurance are due and payable on the day of surgery.
- Be sure to bring any paperwork your physician gave you, such as test results or your medical history, and a list of medications. - Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. - Upon arrival, you will change into a gown which they provide. You will be asked to remove contact lenses, dentures and any prosthesis.
- Bathe or shower on the morning of surgery to minimize the risk of infection. Brush your teeth on the morning of surgery but do not swallow any water.
- Notify your surgeon of any change in your health, such as a cold, fever or sore throat.
- Please bring a current list of medications with you.
IN THE RECOVERY AREA
- After surgery, you will be moved to the Recovery Area where you will be closely monitored until you are ready to go home.
- When you are fully awake, one family member will be able to join you. Although the times may vary, most patients are discharged approximately one hour after surgery.
- It is perfectly normal to feel discomfort in the area of your surgery. You may also experience some drowsiness, depending on the kind of anesthesia you received.
AT HOME AFTER SURGERY
- Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for care while recovering at home. In the event of any difficulty, please call your surgeon.
- For the first 24 hours following surgery, do not engage in strenuous activities, drink any alcoholic beverages, drive, or make any critical decisions.
- A nurse from the Orthopaedic Center or hospital will call you within a day or two to evaluate how you are recovering at home.
