Preparing for surgery
Once you and Dr. Woolf decide that surgery is the next step in your treatment, you will need to learn what to expect and how to actively participate in the plan for the best result.
Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step toward a successful outcome. Understanding the process — and your role in it — will help you recover more quickly and have fewer problems.
Working with your doctor
Medical assessment
Dr. Woolf and his team will confirm your plan of care and check for any conditions that could affect your surgery or outcome. Routine tests such as blood work and X-rays are usually done one to two weeks before surgery.
Review your medications
Discuss everything you take with Dr. Woolf and your primary doctor. Aspirin, anti-inflammatories, and other blood-thinning drugs may need to be stopped one week before surgery to minimize bleeding.
Nutrition, weight & smoking
Good nutrition supports wound healing, muscle recovery, and a better surgical outcome. Eat balanced meals with adequate protein, stay hydrated, and ask Dr. Woolf before adding vitamins, minerals, or other supplements—especially because some should be stopped before surgery. If you smoke, stop at least 2–4 weeks before surgery because tobacco impairs bone and tissue healing.
Prepare your home
Arrange help with cooking, shopping, cleaning, and laundry. Put frequently used items within easy reach, remove loose rugs, tape down cords, and set up a firm chair with arms. Shoulder surgery patients often sleep better in a recliner.
Infections and dental issues
Have any existing tooth, gum, bladder, or bowel problems treated before surgery to reduce the risk of infection later. Report any concerns about existing infections to your surgeon well before surgery — surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared.
Preparing for the procedure
If you are having day surgery (outpatient), keep the following in mind:
- Have someone available to drive you home — you will not be able to drive yourself.
- Do not eat or drink in the car on the way home. Anesthesia, food, and motion can cause nausea or vomiting.
- Wait until you are hungry before eating at home. Start with a light meal and avoid greasy food for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid alcohol after surgery, especially if you are taking pain medications.
- If you had surgery on an arm or leg, keep that extremity elevated and use ice as directed to reduce swelling and pain.
- Have your ice pack or cold therapy (cryotherapy) unit ready before surgery.
- Plan to pick up medications from your pharmacy before or right after surgery.
- Begin your pain regimen before you become uncomfortable. Waiting until pain is severe makes it harder to control.
Questions before surgery?
Call the office during business hours at (843) 473-4331.