(You may wish to print these instructions.)

• Before Surgery:

   

  • Ten days before surgery:

    • Do not take aspirin or any medication containing aspirin, including Alka-Seltzer, for ten days prior to surgery.

     

  • One week before surgery:

    • All laboratory work should have been performed.

    • You should see your (or the patient's) primary care doctor for a pre-operative history and physical examination.

    • Arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital when discharged.

    • Call Doctor Hazenfield or his office staff if you have any questions regarding the surgery.

    • If you wish my office to complete TDI papers, please bring or mail them at this time.  Be certain that your employer and you have completed the respective sections and that you sign and date the papers so that my office can release the information.  We usually return these directly to your employer.

• On the Day of Surgery:

   

  • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight prior to surgery.  If even water is consumed, there is danger of aspiration and pneumonia during the administration of the anesthetic.

  • Arrive at the hospital at least 1-1/2 to 2 hours before the scheduled time of surgery.  Bring a robe if you wish and any toilet articles you might need for the next 1-3 days.

  • You will be admitted to the hospital after surgery.

• The Days after Surgery:

• Medications: After discharge from the hospital, you will be provided with prescriptions for pain medication,  antibiotics, and possibly steroids.  The pain medication is for your comfort, and you should take it!  Do not stop taking the antibiotics or steroids without calling Dr. Hazenfield first.

• Constipation:  Due to the narcotic pain medication, you may become constipated.  You may take stool softeners.

• Activities:  You may not feel well enough to resume normal activities until about 11-14 days after the surgery. 

• Diet:  No hot or spicy foods nor foods that may scratch the throat, such as potato chips or pizza crust, should be eaten until after the first post-operative visit with Doctor Hazenfield.

• Shortness of breath:  If you feel that your breathing is obstructed, either call Dr. Hazenfield immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Room.

• Bleeding:  Any bleeding should be reported to Doctor Hazenfield immediately.  The usual times that bleeding may occur are within twenty-four hours after surgery and again between five and eight days after.

 

• When to call Dr. Hazenfield:

Call Doctor Hazenfield at 622-2626 or through the answering service at 988-2188 if there is any bleeding, a fever above 101 degrees, shortness of breath, difficulty urinating, or if there are any questions about how well you are doing.

29.10.2000 by H. N. Hazenfield, M.D., F.A.C.S.  

This may not be reproduced without the written permission of H. N. Hazenfield.