Preparing For Your Surgery
Before Your Surgery
Pre-admission Testing
All patients are required to have preadmission testing before surgery . This is to assess your body ’ s ability to tolerate the surgical procedure . It will include a review of your medical history , a physical exam , and blood tests . Please arrange to have this testing at the hospital pre-admission testing department or with your primary care doctor . Please check with your surgeon about their preference for pre-admission testing .
Testing must be completed two to four weeks prior to surgery ( two weeks prior to surgery is preferred ). This allows time for follow up testing to be completed as needed , such as a chest X-ray , EKG , or other testing . Tests cannot be used if they are completed more that 30 days prior to surgery and would need to be redone .
If you are taking blood-thinning medications for any reason — such as heart stents , atrial fibrillation , or previous blood clots — contact the doctor who prescribes them . You will need to discuss your upcoming surgery and whether the medication can be stopped before surgery .
If you have any questions about which of your medications to take before surgery , contact the doctor who prescribes them .
Advance Directives
Mount Carmel supports and complies with our patients ’ advance directives for medical care . In order to comply with your wishes , we will ask you about a Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney . If you have one or both of these documents , please bring a copy to the hospital . If you do not have an advance directive and would like information about writing one , talk with your nurse .
Medication
Your pre-admission testing appointment is the time to discuss the medications you are taking for your medical conditions ( for example : diabetes , high blood pressure , acid reflux , chronic pain , asthma or other breathing problems ). Bring a list of all of your medications , including prescription , over-thecounter , herbal products , and supplements . You may be instructed to temporarily stop taking certain medications because they could complicate surgery or interfere with other medications you might need . This may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) such as aspirin or ibuprofen .
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