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Preoperative Instructions/Preparing for Surgery

John G. Kennedy, MD, FRCS, Lower Limb, Foot and Ankle, Cartilage Restoration, Orthopedic Surgeon, West Palm Beach, New York / Foot & Ankle / Patient Surgery Binder / Preoperative Instructions/Preparing for Surgery

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

Once you and your doctor decide that surgery will help you, you will need to learn what to expect from the surgery and create a treatment plan for the best results afterward.

Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step toward a successful result. Understanding the process, and your role in it, will help you recover more quickly and have fewer problems. Please see the attached PDF for a more in-depth guide for surgery with Dr. Kennedy.

Working with Your Doctor

  • If needed, routine testing such as blood work, EKG and medical clearance will be requested prior to surgery being performed.
  • A PCR COVID test will need to be done 3-5 days before surgery
  • Discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor and your family physician to see which ones you should stop taking before surgery.
  • If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery will help decrease the stress you place on your new joint. However, you should not diet during the month before your surgery.
  • If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery.
  • Report any infections to your surgeon. Surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
  • Arrange for someone to help with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping and laundry.
  • Put items that you use often within easy reach before surgery, so you won’t have to reach and bend as often.
  • Remove all loose carpets and tape down electrical cords to avoid falls.
  • Make sure you arrange your bed so the positioning of your foot and ankle is elevated higher than the level your heart.
  • Practice getting around using crutches or a knee scooter

PREPARATION FOR DAY SURGERY

If you are having day surgery, remember the following:

  • Have someone available to take you home, you will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours.
  • Do not drink or eat anything after midnight prior to surgery
  • The combination of anesthesia, food, and car motion can quite often cause nausea or vomiting. After arriving home, wait until you are hungry before trying to eat. Begin with a light meal and try to avoid greasy food for the first 24 hours.
  • Keep your foot/ankle elevated and use ice. This will help decrease swelling and pain.
  • Take your pain medicine as directed.