The Week Before Surgery

Read this section now, and again one week prior to surgery. We will go over important things that you must do during the week prior to surgery and things you can do to be prepared for your surgery day.

Arrival Time & Pharmacy Verification

You will receive a call the week before your surgery with your finalized surgery time and arrival time. Your arrival time is typically 2-3 hours before your surgery time so that the nurses and staff have adequate time to get you ready for surgery.

We will also verify with you the pharmacy where you would like your prescriptions sent that you will need when you are discharged home.

Pick Up Your Prescriptions

You will be prescribed medications to control your pain and in some cases additional medications like a prescription blood thinner or an antibiotic. We will typically prescribe Oxycodone and Celebrex to manage your pain.

You will also need to purchase some over the counter medications to help with pain, constipation & blood clot prevention:

• Tylenol 500mg tablets
• Miralax
• Senna
• Aspirin 81mg tablets - Purchase this if your were told to do so during the pre-operative clearance appointment. This will be your blood clot prevention medication if you are at normal risk of blood clots after surgery.

Medications Before Surgery

Your medications will be managed closely by our team in the weeks up to surgery and during your recovery. Your medications were reviewed during your pre-operative medical visit and your were provided with a detailed list of what medications to continue and which medications to stop before surgery. Review this list 1 week prior to surgery and make sure you understand what medications you should be taking each day in the week leading up to surgery. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to the pre-op clinic or Dr. Maratt's team.

Do not take aspririn during the week leading up to surgery unless you have been specifically advised to take it by the pre-op clinic.

Do not take NSAID medications (Ibuprofen®, Advil®, Motrin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Mobic®, etc.) during the week prior to your surgery. These medications can make your platelets less effective leading to more bleeding during surgery.

Stop taking all herbal and vitamin supplements two weeks before your surgery. This is because we do not know how some of these supplements will interact with medications given during surgery.

Preparation Checklist

What should I bring to the hospital?

Personal Care

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Shaving equipment
• Eye glasses and/or contact lens case and solution
• Deodorant
• Comb or brush
• Inhalers

If you are travelling from a distance, you might consider bringing these items even if you plan to go home the same day. There are instances where you might have to spend an unplanned night in the hospital or surgery center.

Clothing

As part of your return to wellness you can begin wearing regular clothing as early as the day of your surgery even if you are spending a night in the hospital.

• Please wear comfortable clothing; avoiding jeans or other tight fitting clothing.
• Gown, minimum knee length, or loose fitting pajamas
• Loose-fitting shorts (with a drawstring, if possible) and T-shirts or loose shirts
• Tennis shoes or sturdy, lace-up or Velcro-closure shoes (non-skid slipper socks will also be provided for you to wear during you hospital stay)
• AFO, orthotics or built-up shoes, if you normally wear them

Equipment

• Standard walker — have your family bring it to your room once you are out of recovery.
• If you use a CPAP at home, please bring your machine, tubing and mask to the hospital on the day of surgery. These may be used on the day of your surgery and throughout your hospital stay, as needed.
• Several pillows for positioning on the way home (leave in your car until discharge).

What should I leave at home?

Valuables

• Please leave your valuables such as cash, keys, credit cards and jewelry at home or with a family member.
• All jewelry must be removed before surgery, including wedding bands and body piercings.
• Please leave your suitcase in the car and have family bring it to your room after surgery.

Medicines, supplements or herbal remedies

Unless you are specifically instructed to do so, do not bring medicine from home. All medicine will be provided by hospital.

Slippers, Crocs and sandals

can put you at a great risk for falls and cannot be used during your hospital stay.

Other Things To Remember

Illness

If you develop a cold, persistent cough, flu symptoms or fever, please contact Dr. Maratt's team as soon as possible.

Cuts, Wounds, Rashes, Infection

If you have a break in your skin near the surgery site on the leg you are having surgery you should let us know as soon as possible. Also make us aware of any wounds, rashes or concern for infection anywhere leading up to your surgery.

Dentures

You may wear your dentures, but make sure you do not use adhesive to secure your dentures the morning of surgery.

Family

Your family will be directed on where to wait during surgery. They will typically be able to visit with you aproximately 1 hour after surgery and can stay with you in your recovery room.

Visitors are welcome to visit our cafeteria or the coffee shop on the first floor while they wait.