Stop taking aspirin, low-dose aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix or any other blood thinner 4 days prior to surgery. If you are on a blood thinner such as Coumadin, notify your cardiologist of your surgery and work with him / her to establish a plan for temporarily stopping your blood thinner.
Notify our office if you develop symptoms of a cold, fever or other illness a day or two before surgery. It may be necessary to postpone your surgery if you are sick.
DAY BEFORE YOUR SURGERY:
You will receive an automated phone call the day before your surgery confirming your surgery time. Remember that your arrival time is different from your surgery time and is usually 1 hour early if your surgery is being done at a surgery center and 2 hours early if being done at a hospital.
Please note that the time of your surgery may change as Dr. Mahon sometimes sees trauma cases that are unplanned.
Do not eat or drink anything, including water and coffee, after midnight the night before your surgery. If your surgery is scheduled after 12:00 noon, do not eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to your start time.
Some medications can be skipped the day of surgery without problems, but others can’t and should be taken with a sip of water on the morning of surgery. Please ask us about your particular medications if you have any questions.
NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SURGERY:
Help prevent surgical site infection by showering the night before your surgery.
Use regular shampoo to wash your hair.
Wash your face using regular soap and water.
Wash your body with an antiseptic skin cleanser (CHG-chlorhexidine gluconate soap). This can be purchased over-the-counter at any local drug store. Walgreens and CVS have store brands readily available.
Do not use lotions or perfumes after showering.
Wear clean undergarments and pajamas after showering.
Sleep with clean sheets on your bed.
Do not sleep with your pets.
DAY OF YOUR SURGERY:
Bring a form of picture ID and your insurance card.
You must have a ride home. It is a state law that you are released into the care of an adult over the age of 18 even if you have not had general anesthesia.
Notify our office if you develop symptoms of a cold, fever or other illness a day or two before surgery. It may be necessary to postpone your surgery if you are sick.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Sweat pants and sweat shirts work well.
If you typically wear contact lenses, you may want to wear glasses on the day of your surgery. This is a personal preference.
Remove all jewelry, including piercings, prior to surgery.
Some medications can be skipped the day of surgery without problems, but others can’t and should be taken with a sip of water on the morning of surgery. Please ask us about your particular medications if you have any questions.
Pain medication will be prescribed at the time of surgery.
You will receive anesthesia that alters your perception of time. Therefore, after your surgery, you may feel rushed. The facility will not send you home before it’s safe to do so.
A NOTE ABOUT CHILDREN HAVING SURGERY:
Children should bring a familiar comfort item such as a doll, blanket or toy.
If your child is a patient, it’s a good idea to have a second adult drive you both home so that you can care for your child during the ride.