What’s Next?
At HCM, our surgical experts ensure that your time with us will be as comfortable as possible
You’ve done all the right things: talked to your doctor, followed your physical therapist’s instructions, and stuck to your pain management specialist’s guidelines. But your pain persists, and now, it’s clear that the next step, surgery, is needed. The good news is that you’re in the right place to do it.
At HCM, whether your surgery is inpatient or outpatient, your surgical team will be with you from beginning to end to prepare you for it, manage your pain, and monitor your recovery. In fact, our care begins before you arrive at the hospital.
Your journey to less pain begins when you meet with your orthopedic surgeon and set your surgery date. Both your orthopedic surgeon and your doctor will review your complete medical history, including your current medications, any previous surgeries, and your family history for diseases and disorders.
Once you know your surgery date, it’s critical that you prepare for it by taking any supplements as directed by your surgeon, eating healthy foods, and quitting smoking. Your surgeon may also direct you to stop taking some of your medications and may provide a personalized list of pre-surgery exercises for you to follow.
Next, you’ll begin to prepare your home for your recovery by completing any needed projects such as yard work, removing rugs and other obstructions that can cause falls, placing things you need in an easy to reach place, and planning for meals during your recovery. You’ll need to make sure that you have any needed assistive equipment such as a walker or cane and a bedside commode. You’ll also want to pack your bag for your hospital stay, making sure to include comfortable clothes, your HCM patient guidebook, and personal hygiene items.
The day before your surgery, a pre-admission nurse will call you with your arrival time. And finally, the night before your surgery, you’ll need to stop eating and drinking.
When you arrive at HCM on your surgery day, you’ll check in with a registration clerk and will then head to the preoperative holding area. Here, you’ll meet your pre-op nurse and will visit with your surgeon. You’ll also talk with your anesthesia provider who will review your medical history, test results, allergies, and current medications to tailor your anesthesia to your personal needs.
Depending on the type of surgery you had, after your surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room and then discharged or you’ll be taken to our inpatient nursing unit. Your surgeon will meet with you to discuss your surgery and answer your questions about moving forward with your recovery.
Now, you’re well on your way to living a better life with less pain. HCM has been with you every step of the way and will continue with you so that you finish strong!
Contact one of our Orthopedic Specialists today!