Total Joint Presurgery Preparation
The following information will help you prepare for your total joint surgery.Food & Drink
Do not consume any food or liquids after midnight on the evening prior to your surgery date. This includes mints and chewing gum. Additionally, we recommend that you do not smoke, chew tobacco, or consume alcohol anytime during the 48 hours leading up to your surgery.Presurgery Hygiene & Dress
Bathe or shower the night before your surgery.
Bathe or shower the night before your surgery.You may brush your teeth the night prior to surgery, but do not swallow liquids after midnight.
Nail polish, false fingernails, makeup, jewelry, watches, and body piercings should not be on worn the day of surgery.
Do not bring valuables with you. You may wear dentures and glasses to the surgery center. However, it is recommended that you bring the cases to place them in during surgery. Contacts will also need to be removed, so bring your solution and a case with you to the surgery center.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring your walking shoes.
Bring extra undergarments and/or diapers for young children having surgery. If they are taking a bottle, bring an empty bottle as well as a bottle with their usual formula or milk. You may bring their favorite toy or blanket as well.
If you will need crutches, splints, a walker, or other such ambulatory equipment, please arrange to bring them with you, as they may be needed following surgery. You may also want to bring pillows and blankets for your trip home.
Medications & Testing
Stop taking all herbal remedies, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naproxen, etc.) seven days prior to surgery unless otherwise instructed. If you need to take a medication for your pain, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is allowed.If you are currently taking a prescription blood thinner (Coumadin, Plavix, etc.) on a regular basis for heart problems or stroke, please call your surgeon's office immediately for further instructions.
You may take your usual morning blood pressure, heart, acid reflux, and/or seizure medications on the morning of surgery with a sip of water.
Do not take any diabetic medicine the day of surgery, but please bring it with you to the surgery center.
Provide an accurate list of daily medications to the surgery center when they are reviewing your health history. Continue to take all prescription medications as normal unless informed otherwise by the nursing staff. If you have any questions regarding the medications you may or may not take the day of your procedure, please call a nurse at Premier Bone and Joint Centers at (800) 446-5684.
If you experience any health changes, such as an elevated temperature, cold, cough, or other health-related problems, notify your doctor immediately.
