When will I be able to drive?
For most shoulder surgeries, you will be able to drive whenever you feel safe and able to drive and are no longer taking narcotic pain medicine. For Knee procedures, this will vary depending on the operation performed. Dr. Ramirez will discuss this with you individually.
When will I get a prescription for pain medication?
A prescription for pain medication will be provided at the time of discharge. Due to federal guidelines, we are not able to provide these ahead of time.
What if I am on chronic pain medicine, pain management, a methodone program, or expect to be on long-term narcotic medicine?
After Careful consideration of DEA and Ethical guidelines, Dr. Ramirez will only provide pain medication for the treatment of acute surgical pain and for a duration of your 90 day global care after surgery. Please refer to Dr. Ramirez’s detailed pain medication policy for details. If you are currently on pain management or expect to be on pain management, please inform our office as soon as possible so that we can coordinate your plan of care with your provider or arrange management with a pain specialist.
How will my pain be managed?
Unfortunately, orthopaedic surgery can be a painful experience, with most patients experiencing moderate pain for up to 72 hours and mild pain from anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks after surgery. It is our goal to make this experience as comfortable as possible, and to that end, you will be discharged with a strong narcotic medication to take as needed. You may also supplement this with over the counter medicines such as Tylenol, motrin or Aleve. If at any point you feel like your pain is not adequately controlled, please do not hesitate to call our office and we may be able to adjust your medicines.
When do I stop my medications?
Please consult the physician who prescribed the medications for you for these instructions. Aspirin products must be stopped 5 days prior to surgery.
What if I do not have a family doctor?
Please contact our office. We are able to arrange for your history and physical through the hospital preoperative testing center.
What do I need to do for my pre-op work up?
You will need to contact your family physician for a pre operative physical at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Please take the stapled packet with the “Anesthesia Guidelines” to your physician to be completed. Your physician will determine what testing needs to be done based on those guidelines and your past medical history.
When do I arrive at the hospital?
You will arrive two hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. This will allow for time to get you registered and into the preop area. You will need to be available all day as surgery times may be affected by emergencies and canellations and therefore may be moved earlier or later in the day at the last minute. In the event of a schedule change, you will be notified by Dr. Ramirez’s office.
When do I stop eating and drinking?
You may have NOTHING to eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes but not limited to gum, mints, hard candy and cigarettes. If you ingest anything by mouth prior to surgery it may result in your surgery being cancelled.
Who will be my care team?
Over the course of your treatment, your care will be provided by a group of different practitioners, including physician assistants, medical assistants, therapists, nurses, and medical trainees. These team members all work together to provide you the best possible care. If you have any concerns, please contact your doctor.