Important Information

Bring:

• A completed Health History Questionnaire and Consent Form.  These documents are included in the SWRC folder that should be given to you by your surgeon's office at your pre-op visit.
• Insurance ID card, billing information and, if applicable, your Medicare card or Medicaid coupon.
• Clothing that can fit over a large dressing.
• Crutches, if your surgeon has recommended them.  If you bring crutches, please leave them in your car. 
• A responsible adult should accompany you and remain available to drive you home.  You will usually be ready to go home one to two hours after your surgery.
• If you use a prescription inhaler , please bring it with you.

Do:

• Do take your usual morning medications for blood pressure, heart, asthma, seizures or necessary prescribed pain medication, with only a tiny sip of water.
• Do bathe or shower on the morning of your surgery.  You may brush your teeth but do not swallow.
• Do complete pre-operative lab work or other tests prior to your surgery, as instructed by your surgeon.
• Do advise family members and or/friends, who accompany you on the day of your surgery, that visiting in the recovery area will be limited to one visitor at a time.
• Do arrange to have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours after your surgery.

Do not:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery.  This means that you may not have water, breath mints, candy or gum.  No smoking or chewing tobacco.  Please see instructions above related to medications.
• Do not take oral diabetic medications on the morning of your surgery.
• Do not take insulin , if you are having afternoon surgery.  You may take one-half of your usual morning dose if you are having surgery before noon.