People who have had cardiac interventions such as stents, ablations, and surgery or have a history of significant cardiac diagnoses will need to see their cardiologist prior to surgery. Your cardiologist may require additional testing or interventions.
We require all patients undergoing spine surgery to quit smoking two weeks before surgery. Nicotine is a significant risk factor for many complications, including infections, recurrent nerve problems, fusion failure, and others. Click here for more information and support.
A BMI over 35 is associated with major complications from spine surgery. Excess weight also adversely impacts your pain and recovery. If your BMI is over 35, we postpone surgery because the weight must be improved. We are happy to offer additional help from our weight loss clinic.
Calcium |
Calcium is essential for normal bodily functioning. If not received in sufficient quantities, the body will mobilize other sources, namely the bones. Naturally, this weakens the skeletal system and increases the risk of injury. Adults should aim to consume approximately 1000 mg of calcium per day. |
Vitamin C |
Necessary for the formation of collagen, vitamin C is another essential supplement if normal daily intake is inadequate. Collagen is used in bone building and supports the skeletal system in connective tissues. A recommended daily dosage is at least 3000 mg. For those who find it difficult to swallow tablets, Vitamin C gummies may be substituted. |
Vitamin D |
Another crucial vitamin for healthy bones, vitamin D aids in calcium absorption. Inadequate levels can lead to thin or brittle bones prone to damage. Optimal daily intake for adults is approximately 1000 IU. |
Our pre-anesthesia nurse will call you before the scheduled date of surgery to review your medical history and pre-operative instructions. If we have been unable to reach you, please call our nurse at (847) 982-4100 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. It is important you return this call promptly so the anesthesiologist can determine if you will need further testing before your procedure. If there is no answer, please leave a message with the best time and the phone number (and if possible, an alternative phone number) you can be reached at, and the nurse will return your call as soon as possible.
Making arrangements before your surgery allows you to focus on your recovery when you return home. Simple changes in furniture arrangement, housekeeping and lighting can help reduce your risk of falling. These arrangements will help you navigate your home with a walker.
Prior to your surgery, a physical examination by your Primary Care Physician (PCP) will need to be completed no more than 30 days before the date of your surgery and the medical history review. In some cases, you may need an EKG (also within the 30 days), lab work, or X-rays. If you see any specialists, such as a cardiologist or pulmonologist, you will also need clearance from them prior to surgery. Please bring a complete list of medications and supplements (prescriptions and over-the-counter) you are taking to these appointments.
Making arrangements before your surgery allows you to focus on your recovery when you return home. Simple changes in furniture arrangement, housekeeping and lighting can help reduce your risk of falling. These arrangements will help you navigate your home with a walker.
The following are recommendations to increase your safety at home:
If you are on any anticoagulation prescription medications (such as Coumadin, Plavix, Xarelto, and Eliquis), please notify your surgeon and contact your prescribing physician to find out when to stop the medication prior to surgery. Also, stop taking all herbals and supplements, vitamins, and appetite suppressants 14 days before surgery. Stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Motrin, ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Naproxen, and others 7 days before surgery. For a full list of medications to discontinue before surgery, please click “Download List” below:
In addition, you need to stop drinking alcohol and ingesting marijuana 24 hours before surgery.
The use of pain medicines can, and most likely will, cause constipation. If you are prone to constipation, make sure your bowels are soft and moving regularly prior to surgery for several days. Some patients will start a clear liquid diet the day before. It is especially important that you have a bowel movement within 48 hours after surgery. Opioid medications in particular are associated with constipation, and patients should look into taking a stool softener such as docusate, and a fiber laxative such as psyllium to facilitate normal bowel movements.
Nausea and Vomiting – If you are prone to nausea and vomiting, please let the anesthesiologist know the day of surgery. Current anesthetic practices have drastically improved these issues, but additional precautions may help. Also, Dr. Paul’s team will avoid medications that may cause nausea and vomiting for you.
4 hours before your scheduled surgery time:
These instructions may be individualized by your care team. If you were given different directions by Dr. Paul, your anesthesiologist, or pre-admission testing, please follow those.
Your post-operative follow-up visit with your surgeon will be scheduled for you by our surgery scheduler and will take place around 14 days following your surgery.
Preparing or “prepping” skin before surgery can reduce the risk of infection at the surgical site. Our facility has chosen to have you bathe with a special soap called Hibiclens before surgery at home to reduce the bacteria on the skin. The steps below outline the prepping process and should be carefully followed.
Night Before Surgery
