An Affiliate of

Dr. Nelson works with his team of dedicated clinical staff and assistants to ensure safe, high quality, expert care throughout the surgery process. Information regarding your pre-operative instructions and care can be found below. Please contact the office at 810-953-0500 with any additional questions regarding your surgery and recovery that are not answered on this page. 

 

WHEN WILL I FIND OUT MY SURGERY TIME?

The surgery center or Hospital will call you approximately 1 business day prior to your surgery to confirm a surgery time. Surgery center information can be found below:

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• Genesys Regional Medical Center

  • ​1 Genesys Pkwy, Grand Blanc, MI 48439

  •  (810) 606-5000

  • www.genesys.org

• Health Park Surgery Center

  • ​600 Health Park Blvd, Suite A
    Grand Blanc MI 48439

  • 810-603-8200

  • http://www.surgerycenterhealthpark.com

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WHAT DO I NEED TO DO PRIOR TO THE SURGERY?

 

• - Schedule a post-operative appointment approximately 10-14 days after the surgery date for a follow-up and suture removal.

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• - If you have been given a brace, sling, or other Durable Medical Equipment from our office prior to your surgery date please bring it with you on your day of surgery. 

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• - Plan for a family member or friend to drive you to and from the surgery center on your date of surgery. 

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• - Set up physical therapy for after the surgery. Initial physical therapy evaluations should be scheduled for approximately 5 days after the surgery. This often depends on the type of surgery so please contact the office 810-953-0500 with any questions.

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WHAT MEDICATIONS SHOULD I STOP PRIOR TO SURGERY?

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• - 7 days prior to surgery you should stop taking medications such as motrin, aleve, and advil.

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• - Please consult primary care physician regarding prescribed medications.

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• - Please contact the office 810-953-0500 with any additional questions regarding medications.

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO  ON THE DAY OF SURGERY?

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• - DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the surgery.

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• - Plan for someone to drive you to and from the surgery center.

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• - Bring your photo ID, Insurance card, bracing, and MRI (if applicable) with you to the surgery.

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• - Clean the surgery site thoroughly with soap or Hibicleanse solution the night before the surgery. 

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Post-Operative Information

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WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AND PLAN FOR THE EVENING AFTER SURGERY?

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• - Plan on having a friend or family member drive you home from the surgery center. Make sure you have the afternoon and evening free of social and work obligations.

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• - Pain medication injected into the site of surgery will wear off roughly 12 hours following the surgery. Plan on getting your pain prescription filled to have with you when you arrive home. 

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• - Most patients will require pain medication beginning the evening after the surgery.

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• - Ice the site of surgery to help decrease swelling and discomfort.

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POST-OP MEDICATIONS:

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• - Patients with lower extremity surgery will be given a prescription for aspirin for 14 days following the surgery to help reduce the risk of blood clots. If you have a history of blood clots you may be prescribed an alternative medication based on your risk.

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• - Patients may take pain medicine 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed for pain with a maximum of 12 pills per day.

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• - Begin to wean yourself off of the pain medication as soon as possible. 

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• - Do NOT drive or operate any machinery while taking pain medications.

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• - If prescribed Norco or Percocet do not take any additional Tylenol or other Acetaminophen containing products. 

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• - Patients may experience side effects from their pain medication including nausea, drowsiness, and constipation. Patients may take Colace (over the counter) to help with constipation and call the office for directions to help with nausea.

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• - For any additional questions please contact the office 810-953-0500. 

 

WOUND CARE/SWELLING:

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• - Maintain your post-operative bandages for 24 hours following the surgery in order to protect the incision site. 

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• - Bleeding and swelling during this time is normal, apply additional dressing to the incision site if needed after 24 hours. If bandages become too tight due to swelling, simply loosen the bandage to decrease discomfort.

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• - Begin icing immediately after surgery and/or use the ice machine every 2 hours to help decrease swelling and inflammation. ​

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• - Steristrips should be kept on the incision site until your first post-op appointment. 

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• - In order to decrease risk of infection, keep the incision site clean and dry. Patients may shower after 48 hours but should try to keep the incisions dry if possible. Patients may remove their brace in the shower.

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• - Incision sites should not be immersed in water (ie pool, lake, or bath) until after your first post-op visit.

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• - For any additional questions please don't hesitate to contact the office 810-953-0500.

 

POST-OP ACTIVITY

• - Refer to the protocol specific to your surgery found on this page- Rehab Protocols

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• - Patients with lower extremity surgery should elevate the leg to chest height to help reduce swelling.

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• - Refer to your surgery protocol to determine your weight-bearing status. 

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• - Do not participate in any activities or movements what increase pain or discomfort until you review with Dr. Nelson at your first post-op visit. 

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• - For any additional questions please contact the office 810-953-0500