At Family Foot & Ankle Center, we try to avoid surgery whenever possible. Unfortunately, surgery is sometimes necessary, and while we do place a high priority on making sure you’re fully educated and prepared for your procedure, we understand that many people still get nervous on the big day. We want you to know what to expect during the day of your surgery to help minimize that distress.
Before arriving, we strongly recommend you get your home set up to ease the transition to recovery, and figure out who will be helping you accomplish any daily tasks. Setting up a sleeping space on the main floor, clearing tripping hazards, even pre-preparing some meals are all smart ways to minimize stress those first few days after surgery.
Don’t drink or eat anything the morning of your surgery, since this can interfere with the effectiveness of the anesthesia. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, uncomplicated clothing. Bring along your ID, health insurance card, and anything you might need to obtain post-surgery prescriptions.
Depending on the type of surgical procedure being performed as well as your personal preference, you may receive general anesthesia (which causes you to lose consciousness), local anesthesia or nerve blocks (which causes numbness only in a specific area), or other procedures. You should not experience any pain during the procedure itself.
The vast majority of our surgeries are performed outpatient at our office, meaning there’ll be no hospital stay and you’ll be able to go home the day of your surgery after a brief recovery period. We’ll speak with both you and your designated caregiver before discharge so you’re thoroughly prepared for your responsibilities for post-operative care. We will also get your follow-up appointments scheduled.
Remember that, while no one enjoys surgery or the recovery period, we work hard to make the experience as comfortable (and quick!) as possible. In the long run, the relief and joy of returning to pain free living—whether that means going for runs, accomplishing daily chores, or playing with the kids and grandkids—will be more than worth it. To schedule an appointment with the experts at Family Foot & Ankle Center at one of our 6 Cincinnati-area offices, please call 888-689-3317 today.
