Pre-Admission Instructions for Surgical Patients

Receiving Anesthesia (Including Cataracts)

• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, hard candy, chewing gum, breath mints or chewing tobacco after midnight the night before your surgery, unless otherwise directed.
• It is okay to shower and brush your teeth the morning of your surgery.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.  If you are having a shoulder surgery, please wear or bring a large button down shirt for after surgery.
• Leave all your valuables at home – including wallet, money, jewelry, and laptops.  We cannot be responsible for their safety.
• Please remove all metal piercings and jewelry. 
• Bring a case for your contacts, glasses and dentures.
• Bring a list of all current medications (including over-the-counter, vitamins and herbals) with the dosage and frequency information.
• Bring your post operative pain medication with you, if possible.
• Bring inhalers with you if you have asthma or emphysema.
• Bring your CPAP or mouth piece if you use one at home for sleep apnea.
• If you take insulin, bring your insulin and syringes with you and check with your physician regarding any additional instructions.
• Do not wear any lotion or makeup on your face or body the day of your surgery.
• If you have a latex allergy or if you think you may be pregnant, please call the surgery center as soon as possible at 715-358-8600.
• Do not take any medications containing aspirin, vitamin E, fish oils, omega fatty acids, herbs, or weight loss products for at least seven (7) days prior to the procedure. If you have taken any of these, please inform your surgeon as soon as possible.
• If you take blood thinning medications for your heart, like Aspirin, Coumadin or Plavix, contact your cardiologist or primary care physician for guidance regarding when you should stop and restart your medication.
• Bring a photo ID (minors do not need ID, but primary insured party does need to bring theirs), your insurance card (if appropriate), and your form of payment (if required).
• Bring any paperwork your surgeon gave you in the office.
• A responsible adult must accompany you to the surgery center and be available to both drive you home and stay with you through the night. Parents of children absolutely cannot leave while their child (minor) is at the facility – they must remain in the waiting area.
• You may not take a taxi, bus or any form of public transportation home by yourself – you may do so only if you have a responsible adult with you.
• Northwoods Surgery Center can provide crutches and walkers. If you are having leg, knee, ankle or foot surgery, your surgeon may require crutches.  You may bring your own if you have them.  If not, they can be provided at the center by a supplier who will bill your insurance provider separately.
• If your surgeon pre-arranged for any durable medical equipment – such as an ice machine, brace, boot or sling – bring these with you. 
• Call your surgeon’s office if you develop a cold, sore throat, fever or any other illnesses that occur within a few days of your surgery. 
• Feel free to bring reading material or your own digital music and headphones. 
• If you have any questions regarding your procedure, please contact your surgeon’s office or the Northwoods Surgery Center at 715-358-8600. 

Pre-Admission Instructions for Patients Receiving NO Anesthesia

All the above guidelines remain the same, except for the following changes:

• It is okay to eat and drink the day of your surgery.   Please do not eat or drink 2 hours prior to arrival.
• You may take a taxi, bus or any form of public transportation home by yourself.

Pre-Admission Instructions for Pain Patients

• If you are having a low back injection, wear loose fitting elastic waist pants.  Do not wear jeans or any pants with metal around your waist area.  Remove belly piercings. 
• If you are having a neck injection, do not wear any metal earrings or necklaces.
• If you have a latex allergy or if you think you may be pregnant, please call the surgery center as soon as possible at 715-358-8600.
• Do not take Metformin (Glucophage) the day before, the day of, or the day after your procedure.
• Do not take aspirin, vitamin E, Fish Oil or Omega Fatty Acids for 7 days prior to your procedure.  If you have taken any of these, please inform your physician as soon as possible
• Do not take NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Ibuprofen or Aleve for 3 days prior to your procedure.  If you have taken any of these, please inform your physician as soon as possible.
• If you take blood thinning medications for your heart, like Aspirin, Coumadin or Plavix, contact your physician or cardiologist for guidance regarding how long you should stop your medication prior to your procedure.
• Continue taking all your prescription medications, even the morning of your procedure, unless otherwise directed.  If you are still not sure what to do about any medications, refer to your packet or call the physician’s office.
• Bring a photo ID (minors do not need ID, but primary insured party does need to bring theirs), your insurance card (if appropriate), and your form of payment (if required).
• If you have any questions regarding your procedure, please contact your physician’s office or the Northwoods Surgery Center at 715-358-8600.