Having Foot or Ankle Surgery? Pre

Having foot or ankle surgery is not as bad as some make it out to be if you are prepared. In this blog, you will learn some tips from foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Bowman and Houston Foot Specialists.

First, and most important is to ask your podiatrist before the procedure any questions you may have. If your podiatrist has written orders for lab work, X-rays, or MRI, have them done in advance so your foot and ankle surgeon is prepared – and, yes, surgeons have to prepare just like the patient.

Tips for Before Surgery:

Have a cooler set up by the bed or couch with ice packs and food and drinks so you dont have to get up and down.

Have a waterproof cast cover to keep your foot dry when you bathe. Trash bags with tape do not work, and if your bandage gets wet your chance of infection increases.

If you are on blood thinners, aspirin, or ibuprofen, stop taking it at least 5 days prior to surgery unless your doctor specifically authorizes its use.

If your surgery requires crutches, get them in advance to practice using them. Your podiatrist or staff can show you how to get used to them.

If given a post-op shoe or a walking boot, make sure you bring it with you to surgery.

Have all prescriptions filled before the surgery.

Remember, do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the day before the surgery.

Tips the Day of Surgery:

It is normal to be nervous the day of surgery. The surgery center or hospital will give you something to help with this.

Wear loose fitting clothing.

If advised, take any medications you normally take with just a sip of water.

Do not wear any jewelry, makeup, nail polish, body piercings, contacts leases, or dental appliances.

If you have any metal in your body, make sure you tell the pre-op nurse.

Leave all valuables at home.

Bring photo ID (such as your drivers license) and health insurance card with you.

Bring your post-op shoe or walking boot if given one. Some doctors have them at the surgery center or hospital for you.

Have a friend or family member with you to drive you home.

Most foot and ankle surgeons will have written post-operative instructions with dos and donts. Make sure to read these before your surgery and have them handy after. If you follow the instructions carefully, you will have much less post-operative pain, swelling, and chance of complications. Every patient is different, so your instructions may be tailor-made for you.

Your recovery will go more smoothly if you are prepared before surgery. If you have any questions, it is important to ask before surgery. Dr. Bowman is available to answer any questions you may have.

Category: Surgery

Tags: Ankle Problems, Ankle Surgery, Foot Problems, Foot Surgery, MRI, Pre-Op, X-rays