Why You Need to Disclose Medication Prior to Having Surgery

If you’re preparing to have surgery in the near future, you may be wondering what steps you can take to improve the likelihood of a good overall outcome. Thankfully, modern medicine means that most surgeries are seamless and relatively risk-free. If you’re preparing for an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, NV, there are several steps that you can take to make your doctor’s job easier and improve the likelihood of a generally positive outcome.

One of the most important things that you can do prior to surgery is disclose any existing health problems that may ultimately affect your body’s ability to heal correctly, or any medications that you may be taking.

Here are just a few ways that you can prepare yourself for surgery and improve your relationship with your orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, NV:

• Talk about your health and habits: Before you go in for an operation, you should clearly and effectively communicate the status of your health and any bad habits that you may have. If you’re a smoker, for instance, it may affect the way that your doctor approaches your surgery and preparations for the operation. Be frank about your lifestyle to avoid complications.
• Discuss medication and vitamins: If you’re on any medications, your doctor needs to know about them. Even if they’re un-prescribed herbal supplements or vitamins, they could still react adversely with the anesthesia, or cause your blood to become too thin to safely operate. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any supplements, vitamins and pills you may be using regularly.
• Keep clean: This one should be easy—follow standard hygiene practices in the days and weeks leading up to your surgery. Consider purchasing an unscented anti-bacterial body soap to use in the days before and after the operation. This will help you reduce the risk of infection. Also, be sure to treat ingrown hairs and any skin blemishes with care. Your immune system will be extremely vulnerable after the operation.
• Follow directions: During a pre-operation appointment, your orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, NV will provide you with a list of things to do the night before your operation. Typically, you’ll have to stop eating and drinking around midnight. Be sure to follow all of these orders and recommendations to the letter—failure to obey your doctor’s orders could postpone the surgery, or potentially complicate your recovery.

Since 2006, Bernard Ong, M.D. has been a highly trusted orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Ong is committed to providing his patients with a personalized, comfortable environment that meets their individualized medical needs. Dr. Ong fosters a welcoming space where you can clearly communicate your questions, concerns and any relevant information prior to going into surgery. Bernard Ong, M.D. specializes in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, knee replacement, arthroscopy and more. To learn more about the range of care offered at the medical offices of Bernard Ong, M.D., contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives today!

Categorized in: Orthopedic Surgeon

This post was written by Writer