Preparing for Surgery
The weeks before, the day of, and the first days at home.
What do I need to arrange before surgery day?
Plan your ride home, your help at home, and your work schedule before the day of surgery.
Most patients cannot drive themselves home after a hand, wrist, or elbow procedure, so you will need someone to take you home and stay with you for the first day. Ask a family member or friend to be available, and set up your recovery space ahead of time: a comfortable chair, pillows to keep your arm elevated, and easy access to the bathroom and kitchen. If you work, plan time off in advance; your surgical team will give you a general sense of how much time to request once your procedure is confirmed.
What should I do about my medications and supplements before surgery?
Your surgical team will tell you exactly which medications and supplements to stop, and when.
Blood thinners, certain pain relievers, and some supplements can increase bleeding during surgery, so do not stop or adjust anything on your own. Bring a full list of what you take, including over the counter medicine and supplements, to your pre-operative visit so your team can review it with you.
Can I eat or drink before my surgery?
Not without specific guidance from your surgical team.
Most surgery centers ask patients to stop eating and drinking by a set time before the procedure, often starting the night before, to keep anesthesia (medicine that keeps you comfortable or asleep during surgery) safe. Your team will give you the exact time based on your surgery time and the type of anesthesia you will have.
What should I bring on the day of surgery, and what should I leave at home?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and your updated medication list.
Leave jewelry, watches, and rings at home, especially anything worn on the hand or arm being treated, along with nail polish on that hand if you are having hand or wrist surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with a sleeve that can slide above the elbow.
What happens on the day of surgery?
You will check in, meet your surgical team, and go through a short series of steps before the procedure begins.
After check-in, a nurse will review your medical history and confirm the surgical site with you. Dr. Cole completed fellowship training in surgery of the hand and upper extremity at Washington University, Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, and he or a member of his team will see you before you go back to confirm the plan. You will then meet the anesthesia team, who will explain how they will keep you comfortable, and you will be taken to the operating room. Afterward, you will spend time in a recovery area while the anesthesia wears off before you are discharged to go home.
What is normal to feel in my hand, wrist, or elbow after surgery?
Some swelling, stiffness, and mild to moderate pain are expected in the days after surgery.
This is common after hand, wrist, and elbow procedures, including those related to sports injuries or trauma, and it generally eases as the area heals. Keeping your arm elevated and following your activity instructions helps manage swelling. Your surgical team will tell you what pain level and swelling pattern is expected for your specific procedure.
What symptoms mean I should call the office right away?
Call right away if you notice signs of infection, new numbness, or pain that your medication does not control.
Specific signs to call about include increasing redness, warmth, or drainage around the incision, a fever, or any temperature your surgical team told you to watch for, fingers that look pale, blue, or unusually cold, numbness or tingling that is new or getting worse, swelling that keeps increasing instead of improving, and any inability to move your fingers. Call OrthoSouth's office during business hours, or use the after hours number your surgical team gives you, rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit.
Who do I contact with questions about surgery?
Call OrthoSouth; the office can answer scheduling questions and route medical questions to Dr. Cole's surgical team.
If you have not yet had a pre-operative visit, ask about scheduling one so your questions about hand, wrist, elbow, trauma, or sports related surgery can be answered in person.
This information is educational and does not replace instructions from your surgical team. Always follow the specific guidance Dr. Cole's team gives you before and after your surgery.
Ready to talk about your hand, wrist and elbow?
Call the office or request an appointment. Accepting new patients.