Preparing for Surgery

Once you and Dr. Abildgaard decide that surgery is right for 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 maximize your outcome from surgery.

Working with Your Doctor

Before surgery, your doctor will perform a complete physical examination to make sure you don’t have any conditions that could interfere with the surgery or the outcomes. Depending on your personal health history, routine tests such as blood work, X-rays, or an EKG may be required before surgery. At the time of your preoperative appointment, please come prepared to discuss the following:

• Discuss any medications you are taking with your surgical team and your family physician to see which ones you should stop taking before surgery.

• Come prepared to discuss a plan regarding pain management for after surgery.

• If you are taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications or medications that thin the blood (warfarin, xarelto, etc) you will need to stop taking them one week before surgery to minimize bleeding.

• Icing has been shown to decrease pain and swelling after surgery. Obtain icepacks for after surgery or ask about polar care units.

• If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery may be helpful prior to surgery to aid with function or to help decrease the stress you place on your joint. However, you should not diet during the month before your surgery.

• If you smoke, you should stop smoking to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery. In certain circumstances it may be required to stop smoking before surgery will be completed.

• Have any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems treated before surgery to reduce the risk of infection later.

• Eat a well-balanced diet, supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron.

• Report any infections to your surgeon. Surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up regardless of the location in the body.

• Arrange for someone to help out with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping and laundry.

• Prepare your home for your recovery. This can include:

  • 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 have a stable chair with a firm seat cushion, a firm back and two arms.

  • Patients undergoing shoulder surgery often sleep better in an inclined position. A recliner, wedge, or extra pillows can aid with sleep.