Patients

Advice for our Patients

As a patient, there are many steps you can take to ensure a smooth process leading up to your surgery.

In the weeks before your surgery:

• Make sure you go over your current medications with Dr. Berti. Some blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and Coumadin will need to be stopped at least ten days prior to surgery. Plavix will need to be stopped five days prior.
• Let us know if you are allergic to any medications or antibiotics.
• If you are a smoker, stop smoking or cut back as much as possible. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen delivered to your body during anesthesia, and can lead to a number of complications during and after surgery.
• You may need to see your primary physician for a pre-operative clearance.
• You will need to prepare your home for when you return from the hospital. Items that you use often, such as clothing, shoes, books and remote controls should be moved to a place where you can easily access them without reaching or bending. Arrange for someone to help you at home with cooking and cleaning.

The day before your surgery:

• Have important items, such as a current picture I.D., your insurance card and films, ready to take with you.
• A nurse from the hospital may contact you on this day or few days before your surgery to review the registration process, including medications and preparation.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery. This includes water, coffee, and small snacks such as gum or mints. If you need to take any medications at this time, do so with only a small sip of water.
• Make arrangements to have someone pick you up from the hospital.

The day of your surgery:

• We recommend arriving at the hospital two hours before your scheduled surgery and bringing any necessary documentation and films with you.
• If you need to take any medications at this time, do so with a small sip of water.
• You may have to fill out some forms during this time.

AFTER YOUR SURGERY

It is common to feel some discomfort or disorientation as you awake from your surgery. Your doctor and the medical staff will be there to ensure that you receive the necessary care and medication for a successful recovery. The length of your hospital visit and recovery time may vary depending on your age, health, and the type of procedure performed. A few things to anticipate at the time following your surgery are:

• You may feel thirsty or hungry. Your doctor will indicate when you may eat or drink.
• You may feel drowsy or tired. If you feel sad or depressed, talk with a healthcare professional.
• The length of your hospital stay may vary on a case-by-case basis.

Your return home

• Make sure you have someone who will help you with daily tasks in the days following your surgery. It is important to maintain a balance between receiving the help you need and slowly regaining movement and independence as your body becomes stronger.
• You may be prescribed medications after your surgery. Make sure they are always within reach. If necessary, have someone help remind you of the times and dosages.
• Do NOT take any blood-thinning medications (aspirin, coumadin, and Plavix) in the days following your surgery without first consulting Dr. Berti.
• Avoid any activities that may cause stress on your incision.
• Showering is permitted, but do not allow the water to spray directly onto your incision. Do not soak your incision in a bath tub for the first two weeks after the surgery.
• Do not drive until cleared by the doctor, especially if you are taking medications that could impair your judgment and coordination.
• Your follow-up visit with your surgeon is usually seven to ten days after surgery. During this time, stitches or staples may be removed, and imaging tests may be performed to gauge your progress.
• Increase daily exercise according to your surgeon’s instructions.
• Pay close attention to your body’s reaction at this time. Call us immediately if you experience any of the following:
  - increased drowsiness
  - persistent nausea or vomiting
  - headaches
  - visual disturbances
  - seizures
  - muscle weakness
  - shortness of breath
  - fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
  - difficulty urinating
  - redness, swelling or drainage from an incision site

Requesting Medical Records

We require the patient’s written consent to release copies of medical records. A patient may be charged for the copying and forwarding of records depending on the number of copies requested. Please note that due to the amount of requests we receive, release of medical records can take seven to ten working days. For inpatient records, please contact your hospital’s medical records department.