If you smoke, stopping for even a few days or weeks can help make the anesthesia safer and easier to recover from. Also, healing after surgery may also be improved if you can cut down or eliminate this habit.
	Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking methotrexate should stop this medication.

 

Please arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to stay one night with you when you return home.

 

	Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to your surgery.
	Morning of Surgery: Take routine medications with a small sip of water, especially medications to control high blood pressure.  However, do not take any medication to control your sugar level if you are diabetic. Please bring all your medications with you.  If you have crutches, brace, or cooling unit, bring them with you. Otherwise, supplies you will need for post-operative care will be issued at the time of discharge . Do not bring any valuables. Remember not to eat breakfast or even drink coffee.
	In the admission area you will: Change into a surgical gown. Be interviewed by a nurse. Be interviewed by an anesthesiologist.
	After Surgery: You will be taken to the post anesthesia recovery area for approximately one to two hours.  If you are an outpatient, you will go to the observation area for an hour or two prior to leaving. If you are being admitted, you will be taken to your hospital room after the time in the recovery area. You will be given instructions regarding activity, exercises, dressing care, etc. prior to being discharged to go home. You will also be given prescriptions for medications to help control pain. Other medications may also be prescribed to you depending on individual needs. Diabetics may start taking their sugar medications as usual, unless stomach upset limits ability to eat.
	DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING PRESCRIPTION PAIN PILLS.