Preparing for Surgery

Patient Instruction

We sign patients up for surgery after they have met with our team in clinic. At that time, we will provide you with contact information for our surgery schedulers. Based off insurance and type of surgery, you will have an option of having surgery with Dr. McCarty at four different locations.

Surgery Locations

Prior to Surgery

If you use an extensive list of prescription and over the counter medications, or have several allergies, please contact the Pre-Surgery Testing nurse, so that he/she will be well prepared for any additional testing you may require.  The PST nurse will tell you which medications you may take the morning of your procedure. 

Quit taking blood thinning medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, coumadin, fish oil, etc.  If you are taking prescription medication, contact your prescribing physician to appropriately regulate your treatments.

You are required to have someone else drive you home.  Please be prepared with a driver, prior to your procedure.  Also, consider which body part will be operated on and arrange for an appropriate vehicle to take you home.  For example, if you are having knee surgery, and will be on crutches and in an immobilizer, consider the size and space you will need.
DO NOT eat, drink or chew anything, including water and gum, after midnight.  You may brush your teeth but do not swallow the water
  • DO NOT eat or drink anything the morning or day of your procedure.  Again, you may brush your teeth, but do not swallow the water.
  • Do not wear make-up, creams, lotions or deodorant unless specified by your doctor or the pre-surgery testing nurse.
  • Bring your insurance card.
  • Leave valuables, such as watches and jewelry at home.
  • You may want your friends or family to bring in personal toiletries for after surgery.
  • Your physician may have ordered you a brace or sling, which will be at the facility the day of your surgery.
  • Bring crutches, if required.  You may rent crutches at most local grocery stores or pharmacies.

These medications need to be stopped 7 days before your surgery date:

  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • Naproxen  (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox)
  • Diclofenac  (Voltaren, Cataflam)
  • Indomethacin  (Indocin)
  • Etodolac  (Lodine)
  • Flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
  • Ketoprofin  (Ordis, Oruvail)
  • Nabumetone (Relafen)
  • Oxaprozin  (Daypro)
  • Piroxicam (Feldene)
  • Salsilate  (Disalcid)
  • Sudlinac  (Clinoril)
  • Meloxicam (Mobic)
  • Celebrex  (Celecoxib)
  • Vitamin E
  • CoQ10

Other supplements

  • Aspirin*  (Fiorinal, Norgesic, Soma, Ascriptin, Robaxisal)

*-If your doctor prescribed Aspirin for you, please contact your prescribing doctor and let them know you are going to have surgery.

*-If you are taking Aspirin preventatively and without a prescription, please discontinue use 7-10 days prior to your surgery.

It's okay to take:

  • Tylenol or Acetaminophen

If you are taking Coumadin, Eliquis, Plavix, Pradaxa, Xarelto or other blood thinners, you must contact your prescribing doctor before your pre-operative appointment or surgery date.

Patient Information

PATIENT EDUCATION

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