Special Reminders Before Spine Surgery

Reminders Prior to Spine Surgery

• Remember that your stomach must be empty before surgery, and in most cases, you cannot have any food or drink after midnight the night before surgery.
• Please do not wear makeup when you come in for surgery, particularly mascara, or any body lotions.
• Discuss your routine medications with your doctor. Your doctor may tell you to take some medications with a sip of water in the morning before you come to the hospital. Other medications, like aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs can affect bleeding, so your doctor may tell you to stop taking these drugs several days before surgery. 
• Your nurses on the unit will work with you and your doctor to reconcile medications for your safety, so please be sure to follow their instructions during your hospital stay and to pay particular attention to your discharge instructions in case you need to alter your other medications.
• If you become ill with a cold, fever, flu or other ailment prior to your surgery, please notify your surgeon.

Here is a general list of items you should bring to the hospital, as well as what you should leave home:

Do Bring:

• Operation consent form from your doctor's office
• Eyeglasses or contact lens, with case
• Hearing aids with case & extra batteries
• Shoes-walking, sturdy and comfortable
• Robe-short length, complete front opening
• Personal nightclothes (optional)
• One loose-fitting outfit
• Personal hygiene items
• Slippers
• Advanced Directives/ Living Will/ Medical Power of Attorney documentation

Do NOT Bring:

• Money, other than what you may need for co-payments or deductibles due upon your arrival. (If you have pre-registered, payments will have already been arranged in advance. If you need to register, please remember to also bring a photo ID and your insurance card.) We recommend sending your money and credit cards home with a trusted family member.
• Valuables, such as jewelry and laptops. DO NOT leave any valuables in your hospital room.
• Floor-length or step-in robe, which may be a tripping hazard. Please bring shorter robes for your safety.
• Medications from home
• High-heeled or open-backed shoes