|
Preparing for Surgery
You are scheduled for surgery at the Michigan Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital . The following information should answer
most of your questions. After reviewing, please
contact your doctor or their staff if you have
questions or concerns.
Most patients will come to the hospital on the
day of surgery. Based on the type of surgery you
are having, and your physical condition, your
doctor will decide if you will go home the same
day or if you will be an inpatient.
The day of your surgery will be a busy one.
We at Michigan Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital will
provide you with care that is both pleasant and
professional.
Important Phone Numbers
- Pre-Operative Nurse 248-733-2226
- Registration/Finance 248-733-2280
- Rehabilitation Services 248-733-2245
- Emergency Department 248-733-2203
Click below to get the instructions:
Preadmission Testing ^ Back to Top
Your doctor will decide if you need to come
to the hospital prior to the day of surgery for
pretesting. This decision will depend on the type
of surgery you are having and your physical
condition. If you are to be pretested, your doctor’s
office staff will schedule it for you and inform you
of the time and date for the testing, as well as
the date of your surgery. Travel distance is taken
into consideration for our surgical patients. If you
live outside the Detroit-Metro area, you may be
asked to obtain surgical pretesting from your
primary care physician.
On the day of pretesting, report to the hospital
information desk and you will be directed to
the testing area.
During the preadmission interview, you will:
- Review surgical consents
- Review your medical history
- Have your questions answered regarding
how to take your regularly scheduled
medications on the morning of surgery
- Have any needed lab tests that were
ordered by your doctor, including X-rays
and EKGs (electrocardiograms)
- See an anesthesiologist if necessary
- Have a physical exam
If you are not scheduled for pretesting, a nurse
from the preoperative holding area in the hospital
will call you about five days before your surgery
to do a telephone nursing assessment and
answer your questions. Based on the nursing
assessment, the nurse may ask you to come for
testing and to see the anesthesiologist before
the surgery date. An appointment will be
scheduled at this time.
Prior To Surgery ^ Back to Top
- DO NOT eat or drink anything after
midnight the night before surgery.
This includes water, mints and chewing gum.
It is important to keep your stomach completely
empty until after surgery.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours
before surgery.
- Do not smoke the morning of surgery.
- Notify your doctor of any changes in your
health; such as a cold, flu or fever.
- If your health insurance company requires claim
forms, fill them out in advance and bring them
for your preadmission testing appointment or
on the day of surgery.
- Prior to the day of surgery, you may be
contacted by the Michigan Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital registration clerk to verify information
such as your age, address and type of
insurance coverage. If you have any questions
regarding the financial aspects of your visit,
please call the hospital’s financial counselor
at 248-733-2280.
- If the patient is under 18 years of age, a
parent or legal guardian must sign all consents.
The hospital requires updated copies of legal
guardianship papers. If the guardian is not able
to come to Michigan Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital
on this day, arrangements can be made in
advance. By law, we cannot proceed without
the legal guardian’s signature and proper
documentation.
The Day of Your Surgery ^ Back to Top
- Be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing
that is easy to put on and remove. We have
storage space for your clothes while you
are wearing the hospital gown that will
be provided.
- Go directly to the Registration Office which
is located in the main entrance lobby.
- If you are going home after surgery, we
require arrangements be made for a
responsible adult to accompany you,
stay during the surgery, and drive you
home from the hospital. Transportation by
taxi is only acceptable if a responsible adult,
other than the driver, accompanies you. You
should also arrange for someone to stay with
you overnight.
- If you are being admitted to the hospital as
an inpatient, you will be assigned to a room
after surgery.
Medications Before Surgery ^ Back to Top
- During the preoperative call the nurse will tell
you which of your medications you should take
on the morning of surgery.
- If you are taking herbal preparations, weight
loss medications, or blood thinners (Ticlid,
Plavix, Aspirin), stop them 14 days prior
to surgery.
- If you are on the blood thinner Coumadin,
talk to your surgeon to see if it should
be stopped.
What To Bring ^ Back to Top
- If you are scheduled to be admitted to the
hospital following surgery, bring a small
overnight bag with toiletries, a robe
and slippers.
- Bring any splints, slings or crutches you have
been using prior to the operation.
- Be sure to bring your insurance card and any
paperwork your physician gives you such as
test results or your medical history.
- Contact lenses, including extended wear,
must be removed before surgery. Dentures or
hearing aids may be removed before surgery.
Be sure to bring your container.
- Please bring a list of all medications you are
currently taking, including over-the-counter
medications.
- Do not wear jewelry or a watch. Do not
bring a checkbook, credit cards or large sums
of money to the hospital, unless you are
specifically asked to provide payment upon
arrival. We cannot be responsible for your
valuables – please leave them at home.
Following Your Surgery ^ Back to Top
If you have had any anesthesia, do not drive,
operate machinery, drink alcohol or make any
major decisions for at least 24 hours.
Plan to rest for at least 12 hours after you get
home. It is not unusual to feel tired, dizzy, sleepy
or slightly nauseated after a surgical procedure.
A responsible adult must stay with you for the
rest of the day and also during the night.
Call your doctor immediately if you develop any
of the following problems:
- Pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- Fever over 100 degrees if taken by mouth,
or over 101 degrees if taken rectally
- Swelling around the incision
- Increased redness, warmth, hardness or foul
odor around the incision or examination site
- Numbness, tingling, or cold fingers or toes
- Blood-soaked dressing (small amounts of
oozing may be normal)
- Increasing and progressive drainage from
the incision or examination site
- Unable to urinate
- Persistent nausea/vomiting or inability to eat
or drink
Within the first 24-48 hours following surgery, a
hospital representative may call you to check on
your progress. Call your doctor if you have any
questions or concerns. After office hours, you
can reach your doctor through their answering
service. If you need immediate attention, go
to a hospital near your home or come to the Michigan Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital Emergency
Department.
Any individualized instructions
you may need will be provided by your doctor
or the hospital staff.
|
Find a Doctor
