When you scheduled your surgery, you were given a packet
of information containing a history and physical form,
an order for blood work, and possibly an electrocardiogram.
Call your family doctor and schedule this as soon as possible.
Be sure the results are forwarded to our office.
Make a detailed list of all medications you
are taking. Be sure to include all supplements you are taking, including
herbal drinks and herbal teas. Many medications and supplements
contain ingredients that could be harmful to your recovery.
Our office will give you a list of medications and supplements
to avoid. All aspirin products, ibuprofen products, and
vitamin E must be discontinued 2 weeks prior to your surgery
due to their effect on blood clotting. Be very careful
not to take over-the-counter medications, like cold tablets containing
aspirin and ibuprofen. If you need a headache medication,
take Tylenol. Even eating excessive garlic and onions
may cause blood clotting problems. If you are taking antidepressants,
or any other prescription medications, please inform
the office.
Stop smoking! If you are a smoker,
you need to be aware of the increased possibility of complications
caused by smoking. Call our office for assistance. We
can offer a referral to a smoking cessation program, a
prescription for nicotine lollipops or nicotine inhaler
and other advice to help you quit. It is best to stop
at least 2 weeks before and continue until 2 weeks after your surgery.
If possible you should not use nicotine replacement for
that 4 week period; however, cigarettes themselves cause
far more damage.
Make an appointment with your dentist
for a routine check up and cleaning. You don't want to
wake up one morning after your surgery with a toothache!
Follow a nutritious diet. Eliminate unnecessary sugar,
salt and other empty calories. DO NOT go on a crash diet
prior to your surgery! If you have excess weight to lose,
it is best to lose it first, stabilize, and then schedule
your surgery. Your body needs good nutrition to heal well.
Discuss your plans with your family, if applicable.
Their support will mean a lot in your recovery.
Prepare an area for your recovery.
You will need to sleep with your head elevated at a 45
degree angle, and on your back for the first few weeks.
A recliner is ideal for this. You can also use a wedge
pillow or a reading pillow. Have a table nearby, where
you can keep your needed items. Take a look around
and make sure all the things you'll need are at waist
level. Do not bend over for any reason for the first few
weeks. Bending over can cause bleeding. A nearby TV, radio,
or tape player, along with some audio books and movies
will come in handy. Plan to rest a lot for the first few
days, and gradually increase your activity. You will tire
easily for a few weeks.
You will be given a list of items you will need post-operatively,
including prescriptions to have filled, cleansers, shampoo,
etc. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully. You
will also be given a list of post operative instructions.
Please read these a few times so you are familiar with
them. Let us know if you have any questions about the
instructions. In addition, our office may provide you
with a catalog for ordering some recovery items such as
sun hats, wedge pillows, and other items to make your
recovery easier. Be sure to ask us if you would like one.
Shop for, and prepare ahead, some nutritious foods for
your recovery. Depending on your surgery, it may be difficult
for you to chew, so soft foods are best. Be careful not
to have foods high in salt or sodium, as they may make
your swelling worse. Gelatin, pudding, soup, and protein
drinks are some good choices.
Clean your house, or have it cleaned.
You will not be able to clean or do any other strenuous
activities for the first few weeks. If you have a toddler
that is used to being picked up, a babysitter may be necessary. No lifting is allowed for the first few weeks
after surgery
During this pre-operative period, keep a pen
and tablet handy to jot down questions as they
arise. You will have another pre-operative consultation
with Dr. Mendelsohn, prior to your surgery to go over
and finalize plans, and answer any questions you may have.
Your surgery date will arrive before you know it and
you will be on your way to a new you!
