• Pre-Op Instructions
  
  
• Post-Op Instructions
  
  
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Pre-Op Instructions for Surgery

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STARTING NOW

• MEDICAL HISTORY: If you have a medical history of the following: heart attack, heart
  surgery, pacemaker, defibrillator, stroke, kidney failure, or lung disease of any kind, you
  must call the Pre-Assessment Nurse at Southern Surgery Center at 601-554-7558
  immediately.
• STOP SMOKING: Smoking reduces blood and oxygen circulation to the surgical wound
  and impedes the healing process.
• ASPIRIN: Is a type of blood thinner. If you are taking Baby Aspirin (81mg), you may
  continue to take it. If you are taking Regular Aspirin (325mg), change to Baby Aspirin
  (81mg). However, for spine surgery patients, you need to stop all Aspirins 7 days prior to
  your surgery date. Also call the Pre-Assessment Nurse at Southern Surgery Center at
  601-554-7558 and notify her that you are stopping theAspirin.
  
• PLAVIX AND COUMADIN: Is a prescription blood thinner. If you are taking Plavix
  or Coumadin, notify the Pre-Assessment Nurse at Southern Surgery Center at
  601-554-7558 immediately. The Nurse will contact your Medical Doctor concerning
  stopping and restarting your Plavix or Coumadin. Failure to contact the
  Pre-Assessment Nurse may result in cancellation of your surgery.
  
• VITAMINS AND HERBS: Stop taking 7 days prior to surgery.
  
• PRE-OP TESTING: Go to Southern Surgery Center 5-14 days prior to your surgery date to
  have required pre-op testing performed. Failure to have required pre-op testing
  performed may result in cancellation of your surgery.
  
• FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: It is important that you contact the Surgery Center
  business office prior to your scheduled surgery date. Failure to make pre-operative
  financial arrangements could result in cancellation of the scheduled procedure. The
  Surgery Center business office is open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The phone
  number is 601-554-7530.

THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY

• CONFIRM SURGERY TIME: We will call you to confirm the time of your surgery.
  Please give us your home, work, and cell phone numbers. If you do not hear from us, call us
  to confirm at 601-554-7525.
  
• CLEANSING: The night before surgery, shower and wash the surgical areas with soap.
  
• EATING AND DRINKING: Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight. This
  includes water. Eating and/or drinking may result in cancellation of your surgery.
  
• DIPPING AND CHEWING: Do not dip or chew tobacco or chew gum after 12:00
  midnight. Dipping or chewing after midnight may result in cancellation of your
  surgery.
  
• PRE-OP MEDICATION: Take the Pre-Op Medication Kit #1 at 9:00 p.m.

THE DAY OF SURGERY

• EATING AND DRINKING: Do not eat or drink anything including water the day of
  surgery. (You may take one sip of water with Pre-Op Medication Kit #2 and the other
  medications that you were instructed to take the day of surgery.)
  
• MEDICATIONS: Take Pre-Op Medication Kit #2 with one sip of water as you are leaving
  your residence to come to the Surgery Center. If you take a blood pressure medication
  and/or a heart medication in the mornings, take it with a sip of water. Do not take diabetic
  medication after midnight. If you are taking Insulin, bring the Insulin with you. Bring all
  prescribed medications and vitamins and herbs with you to the Surgery Center.
  
• CLEANSING: Shower and wash the surgical areas again with soap.
  
• ORAL HYGIENE: You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water but do not
  drink the water.
  
• MAKE-UP AND NAIL POLISH: It is OK to wear basic face make-up; however, do not
  wear eye make-up. Do not wear nail polish.
  
• VALUABLES: Leave all valuables and jewelry at home. Remove any pierced jewelry from
  body before coming to the Surgery Center. (Bring container for contact lens.)
  
• CLOTHING: Wear only comfortable loose-fitting clothing. If you are having surgery on
  your shoulder, arm, or hand, wear a shirt that buttons up the front.
  
• FAMILY MEMBER: At least one family member must remain on the premises until the
  patient is discharged.
  
• TRANSPORTATION: You will need to have reliable transportation home. You will not be
  able to drive yourself home after surgery.
  
• ASSISTIVE DEVICES: Bring your crutches, sling, and/or brace to the Surgery Center with
  you.