30 Days Prior to Surgery
- Stop smoking for at least 30 days
- Control diabetes/blood sugars
- Maintain good oral health
2 Weeks Prior to Surgery
- Schedule a surgery clearance physical with your primary care provider 2 weeks prior to surgery.
- Stop Advil, Aleve, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen over the counter pain medications 2 weeks prior to surgery. Check with your physician regarding other medications and prescriptions.
The Day Before Surgery
- You’ll be called the day before surgery to confirm your exact arrival time, fasting guidelines, and to answer any questions.
- Prepare at least four ice packs
- Put 4 cups water and 1 cup rubbing alcohol in a gallon size sealable bag. Place inside a second bag to prevent leaking.
- Shower or bathe with the provided anti-bacterial CHG solution to minimize the chance of infection. Pre-Op Shower Directions
- Wear clean clothes after showering.
- Put clean linens on your bed.
- Disinfect door handles, telephones, bed-side tables, and counter tops.
- Limit the use of sponges for cleaning.
- Absolutely no smoking or alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours before surgery. This includes water, coffee, hard candy, and chewing gum.
- Call your doctor before surgery if you develop any physical condition (fever, cold, rash, open wound, etc.) that concerns you
The Day of Surgery
- Shower or bathe with the provided anti-bacterial CHG solution to minimize the chance of infection. Pre-Op Shower Directions
- Wear loose fitting, comfortable, clean clothes to allow room for the surgical dressing.
- Do not wear makeup, deodorant, lotion, cologne, perfume, nail polish, or artificial nails.
- Leave valuables at home, don’t wear contact lenses, and remove all piercings.
- Shoulder Patients bring an oversized button-up shirt.
- Knee Patients bring crutches, cane, walker, brace if you have them.