Surgical Services at Grand View Hospital
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PREPARING FOR YOUR PROCEDURE
Weeks before...

Arrange for Assistance
As a surgery patient, you are not permitted to drive following your procedures. As soon as you are aware of your surgery date, arrange for someone (such as a friend or relative) to drive you to the hospital and home afterwards.

Someone may stay with you while you are in the unit, but please limit guests to one or two. We suggest that you ask your escort to accompany you into your home and help you settle into bed or another comfortable spot. Depending on your procedure, you may be required to have supervision for 24 hours post surgery.

If you have young children, make plans now for someone to watch them while you are at the hospital and recovering at home.Young children are not permitted to accompany you in the Surgical Short Stay Unit (SSSU).

Talk with Your Doctor
Your physician may have special instructions for the days prior to your procedure. Ask if you need to change your medications, eat (or not eat) any particular foods or alter your activities.

Now is a good time to talk to your doctor about pain. Many options are available to manage your pain, each with advantages and disadvantages.Ways to receive pain relief medication include pills, shots, and constant doses given in the back (epidural) or by vein (PCA). Discuss your choices with your doctor and anesthesiologist.

Some patients prefer other methods to relieve pain, used alone or with medication. These include heat, cold, physical therapy and music. Let us know what works for you, and we’ll try to accommodate.

Many patients avoid taking pain medicine. Some think they may become addicted. Medicine taken to lessen pain accompanying surgery or a medical procedure rarely causes addiction. Side effects can happen but are usually easy to treat. We encourage you to work with your physician and nurse to keep your pain level low. In addition to keeping you comfortable, it will help to speed your recovery.

Smoking and Alcohol Use
Smoking may affect your rate of healing, and you may want to consider cutting down before your procedure. For information about smoking cessation programs, call the Grand View Health Line at 215-453-9676. Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before your surgery.

Advance Directive
If you have an advance directive, such as a living will or durable power of attorney, bring a copy with you to your pre-admission testing appointment.We’ll attach it to your chart. If you do not have one, but are interested, contact the Case Management Department at 215-453-4487.

Pre-Admission Testing
Your doctor may order tests, such as lab work or X-rays.You will need to get these one to two weeks before your surgery. A pre-admission testing specialist will contact you to make an appointment. If you have questions about preadmission testing, contact your surgeon’s office.