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North Carolina Specialty Hospital - Important Information About Your Surgery |
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PREPARING AHEAD OF TIME Preadmission screening will be done within the week prior to your procedure. A nurse will be contacting you to review your medical history and instructions. We may request that you come to NCSH for preadmission testing prior to surgery. Medication instructions to take or not to take medicines, especially for heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes and/or seizures will be reviewed with you by your physician or at the time of pre-admission testing prior to the day of surgery. If you become ill within a few days before your procedure, even with just a mild cold or flu symptoms, notify your physician. Transportation arrangements need to be made prior to the day of the procedure. You must arrange for someone to drive you home. That person is welcome to wait for you at the hospital. You will not be allowed to drive after receiving a general or local anesthetic with sedation. If your physician would like you to attend preadmission total joint replacement class we will notify you or you may call 919-956-9300 ext: 230. THE DAY OF SURGERY/PROCEDURE Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your procedure. Children will receive special instructions. You will be scheduled to arrive at NCSH 1-2 hours prior to surgery. This will allow adequate time for all necessary admission procedures. On rare occasions the surgery schedule may be running ahead or behind the scheduled times. We will do our best to keep you informed. Bring any paperwork provided to you from your physician’s office (EKG’s, etc.) Wear loose fitting clothing. You may take a tub bath or shower prior to arrival. Do not use any lotions, creams, powders, or make-up. Bring eye glasses and/or hearing aids, if you rely on them. Remove contact lenses. Leave jewelry and other valuables at home. Bring each medication that you are taking in its originally labeled bottle. Bring a list of any allergies/sensitivities you may have. Minors (patients under 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. RECOVERY PERIOD After your surgery, you will be moved to the post anesthetic care unit (PACU) and monitored until you are ready for discharge or admission to the hospital. Although the time varies, most patients are discharged from PACU 1-2 hours after surgery. You may have visitors in the recovery area once you are awake . DISCHARGE TO HOME AFTER SURGERY YOU MUST ARRANGE FOR A RESPONSIBLE ADULT TO CARE FOR YOU 24 HOURS AFTER YOUR SURGERY. Your surgeon will provide postoperative instructions regarding diet, activities and medications. In the event of any difficulty, notify your surgeon. It is normal to feel a little sleepy and/or dizzy for several hours after your operation. Do not sign any important documents or make any significant decisions until this feeling has worn off. Do not drive, smoke or consume alcoholic beverages until at least 24 hours after your surgery or procedure. ADMISSION TO THE HOSPITAL Your physician and our healthcare team will explain your post operative treatment plan. Please feel free to ask questions and be involved. Visitors are welcome during the day until 9 p.m. Family members may coordinate with the charge nurse to spend the night. Upon discharge, a responsible adult will need to drive you home. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS On the day of admission, please bring your insurance card(s). Any deductibles and co-pays will be due at the time of admission. You will be billed separately for additional services, such as your surgeon and anesthesiologist. If you are unable to meet the payment requirements or if you have any questions regarding your financial obligation, please contact NCSH business office at (919)956-9300 ext: 362. NCSH STAFF We are pleased to care for you at NCSH. If at any time you have questions, please feel free to ask our staff. Tip: Hand-washing is the number-one way to decrease the spread of germs and reduce the incidence of infections.
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