At Grand View Health, we’re committed to making your stay as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. These easy instructions will help prepare you for surgery.

Arranging for Assistance

Driving before and after your procedure:

  • You are not permitted to drive immediately following surgery.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you to the hospital and home afterwards.
  • Your surgeon will advise you when it is best for you to start driving again.

Someone to Stay with You

While you are in the hospital, someone may stay with you while you are in our surgery unit. Please limit guests to one or two.

After you leave the hospital, we suggest having someone help you into your home.

Depending on your procedure, you may be required to have supervision for 24 hours after surgery. If you need assistance in arranging your post-surgical care, call the Case Management Department at 215-453-4487.

Child Care Arrangements
If you are having surgery at Grand View and have young children, please be advised that young children are not permitted to accompany you in our Surgical Short Stay Unit (SSSU).

Talking with Your Doctor

Your physician may have special instructions regarding the days prior to your procedure. Ask your doctor if you need to:

  • Change your medications
  • Eat (or not eat) any particular foods
  • Alter your daily activities

Pain Management Options

Several options are available to manage your pain, each with advantages and disadvantages. Options include:

  • Pills
  • Shots given in the back (epidural) or by vein (PCA)

Discuss choices with your physician and anesthesiologist. Some patients prefer other pain relief methods, used alone or with medication. These include:

  • Heat
  • Cold
  • Physical therapy
  • Music

Let us know what you prefer, and we will try to accommodate your needs.

Smoking

Smoking may affect your rate of healing. Try cutting down or quitting before surgery. For information about smoking cessation programs, call Grand View Connection at 215-453-4300 or check out our classes & events.

Alcohol Use

Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before your surgery and if you are taking pain medication.

Advance Directive

If you have an advance directive, such as a living will or durable power of attorney, bring a copy to your pre-admission testing appointment. If you do not have one, but are interested, please contact our Case Management Department at 215-453-4487.

Pre-Admission Testing

Pre-admission testing helps our staff evaluate your overall health in preparation for your surgery. It involves a series a tests, including:

  • Lab work
  • X-rays
  • EKGs
  • Ultrasounds

You must have these completed one to two weeks prior to your surgery. A pre-admission testing specialist will contact you to make an appointment. If you have questions about pre-admission testing, contact your surgeon’s office.