For Patients Having General Anesthesia
Post Surgery Medications
What may I eat prior to surgery? Why?
Do NOT have anything to eat or drink 8 hours prior to surgery. (If you choose to eat within that time frame undigested food may cause complications with your anesthesia and your surgery WILL be rescheduled for your safety.)
Will I need a driver the day of surgery?
Please ensure you have a responsible adult to take you home after your surgery and be present for discharge instructions. You MAY NOT use ridesharing or public transportation. If you need transportation assistance, please let one of our staff members know.
Should I take my medications prior to surgery?
- BLOOD THINNERS/MEDICATIONS
- Stop over the counter blood thinner such as Advil, aspirin, fish oil, or Meloxicam 7 days prior to surgery.
- If you are taking a prescribed blood thinner you will need to discuss stopping the medication with the doctor that prescribed it. See the list of common blood thinners:
- Celebrex
- Coumadin
- Diclofnac (Cambia)
- Eliquis (Apixaban)
- Etodolac (Lidine)
- Lovenox (Enoxaparin Sodium)
- Pradaxa
- Plavix (Clopidogrel)
- Vitamin K
- Warfarin
- If you are taking medications to help control blood pressure and or diabetes, please make the nurse aware.
What should I bring with me the day of surgery?
If you take insulin, please BRING the bottle of insulin with you to your appointment. DO NOT TAKE insulin prior to arrival. DO NOT bring valuables with you to your appointment. Please bring your insurance card, ID, and method of payment if you have not paid in advance.
What type of testing is done prior to my surgery?
- Lab work is REQUIRED and must be completed NO SOONER than 14 days before surgery. Please let the surgery scheduler know which of the following options you would prefer:
- Have your primary doctor draw your labs work
- Go to any “Quest Diagnostic’s” lab most convenient to you
- Have lab work drawn in our Plano office
- If you have ever had ANY of the following medical conditions you will need to go see your primary doctor for clearance within 30 days of surgery to undergo general anesthesia:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease/ heart attack/ pacemaker /stent placement/ Arrythmias
- Diabetes
- Asthma /Sleep Apnea/ COPD / Breathing related disorders
- Shortness of breath
- Recent cold, flu, COVID, or upper respiratory infections
- Anemia
- Taking blood thinners
- Are an active smoker
- Taking diet pills -Phentermine
- Over the age of 65 years old
- History of hepatitis, tuberculosis, or MRSA
What should I wear?
- If you wear contacts please remove them prior to arrival, wear glasses, or bring your storage case.
- Wear something loose fitting and comfortable the day of surgery. You will be required to change into a surgical gown prior to surgery.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive at the surgery center 60 minutes prior to your scheduled surgery start time. (A nurse will contact you the day prior to surgery as a reminder with a finalized arrival time.)
Will I be billed separately for anesthesia?
Anesthesia is provided through a third party and will be billed separately. Please contact Orthomed Anesthesia Staffing with questions.
https://www.orthomedstaffing.com/
1-888-324-7432
Who do I contact after hours?
Please contact us via phone at 972-403-7733 with emergent questions after hours. Follow the prompts to reach the on-call physician. If it is NOT an emergency and you have a question after hours, please text us at 972-403-7733, please note this line is monitored by our staff nurses and it may take a few hours for someone to respond.
For Patients Having Local Anesthesia
Post Surgery Medications
What may I eat prior to surgery? Why?
YES
Will I need a driver the day of surgery?
You may drive yourself home after surgery if you are not receiving any medications to help you relax.
Should I take my medications prior to surgery?
Please stop the blood thinners listed above.
What should I bring with me the day of surgery?
DO NOT bring valuables with you to your appointment. Please bring your insurance card, ID, and method of payment if you have not paid in advance.
What type of testing is done prior to my surgery?
You will NOT require testing for local anesthesia.
What should I wear?
Wear something loose fitting and comfortable the day of surgery. You will be required to change into a surgical gown prior to surgery.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive at the surgery center 60 minutes prior to your scheduled surgery start time. (A nurse will contact you the day prior to surgery as a reminder with a finalized arrival time.)
Do you offer sedation for patients receiving local anesthesia?
Yes we do offer sedation for local anesthesia patients to help you relax. You will need a driver if you choose to have sedation. Medication options:
- Versed – Light anesthesia administered through your IV.
- Xanax- Anesthesia administered via a pill.
Who do I contact after hours?
Please contact us via phone at 972-403-7733 with emergent questions after hours. Follow the prompts to reach the on-call physician. If it is NOT an emergency and you have a question after hours, please text us at 972-403-7733, please note this line is monitored by our staff nurses and it may take a few hours for someone to respond.
