It is necessary to pre-register at least 24 hours prior to your surgery to ensure that your chart is ready for your arrival. The day before your scheduled surgery, the hospital staff will notify you with instructions and arrival time. If a deposit or co-payment is required, please bring it in the form of cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, debit card or money order.

DAY OF SURGERY

• Arrive at Three Rivers Medical Center one hour before surgery unless informed otherwise.
• Do not smoke, eat or drink anything (including water) after 12:00 midnight the day of surgery, including mints or chewing gum.
• You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but do not swallow.
• Call your surgeon if you develop a cold, fever or have any breathing problems before your surgery.
• Notify your surgeon if there is a possibility that you are pregnant.
• Take blood pressure, heart, seizure or any form of steroid medications as usual with a small sip of water.
• If you are currently taking other medications, including insulin, please check with your doctor.
• Please do not wear makeup, nail polish, jewelry or contact lenses and leave any valuables, including wallet, at home. TRMC will not be responsible for loss of or damage to personal items.
• Bathe or shower the morning of surgery.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and low-heeled shoes.
• Make arrangements to have a responsible adult drive you home after surgery.

RECOVERY

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where your blood pressure, pulse and breathing will be monitored closely until you are ready to return to your room or be discharged home. When you are released from the hospital, you must not drive or operate any machinery for 24 hours. Refrain from eating heavy or drinking any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.

If an inpatient, you can expect to continue having frequency checks of your pulse, breathing and blood pressure, as an observation of surgical site dressings and maintenance of IV solutions. Some discomfort is normal, but please tell your nurse if you notice a marked increase in pain or any unusual symptoms.

Before you leave the hospital, a nurse will discuss with you any postoperative instructions concerning medications, diet, and follow-up prescribed by your doctor. It is quite normal to feel light-headed or tired for some days after surgery.

If you experience any problems or concerns, please contact your doctor.