Pre-Operative Instructions For Intravenous (IV) Sedation or General Anesthesia
- DO NOT EAT anything 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery and drink only water up to 4 hours prior to your scheduled surgery. Do not drink anything within 4 hours of your surgery. If you forget, please inform us. EXCEPTION: You may drink a small sip of water when taking prescribed medicine.
- Take all your regular medications unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Bleak. Please advise Dr. Bleak if you take any blood thinners or medications for diabetes.
- You must come with a responsible adult, over the age of 18, to drive you home. They must remain on the premises (waiting room or parking lot) during your surgery. Do not plan on driving or making decisions for 24 hours after the anesthesia. Arrange to have a responsible adult spend the rest of the day with you. If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Clothing: Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing; a short sleeve is recommended. DO NOT wear any nail polish, makeup, or false eyelashes. Leave all jewelry at home.
- Do not wear contact lenses on the day of surgery. Wear glasses if needed.
- Please be prepared for recovery. Please review the provided copy of the AFTER SURGERY care. Please obtain the appropriate supplies for icing the face (explained under the "Day of Surgery" section) and the appropriate food (explained under the "Diet" section). Cotton and gauze will be provided.
- After surgery, you should go home for the remainder of the day. IV Anesthesia may cause prolonged drowsiness. For the 24 hours after surgery, you should not plan on being responsible for children or make important personal or business decisions.
- Activity: You must not operate a vehicle, power tools, or any other machinery for 24 hours after the anesthesia. Avoid alcohol, sedatives, or tranquillizers until the following day.
- Changes in Health and Medications: If you have forgotten to inform us about an illness, head cold, flu or chest cold, please notify the office as we may need to reschedule your appointment. Prescription medications should be taken as scheduled, with a sip of water, unless previously indicated by Dr. Bleak.
- FOR FEMALE PATIENTS ONLY: If you are pregnant, possibly pregnant, or breast feeding, please inform Dr. Bleak. Surgery and anesthesia may potentially complicate the pregnancy or harm the fetus. Please contact your physician if you wish to rule out pregnancy before surgery. If breastfeeding, you will need to discard breast milk for the next 24 hours after surgery with IV anesthesia.
- FEMALES ON BIRTH CONTROL: Please be aware that if you are given an antibiotic following your surgery, your birth control will not be effective in preventing pregnancy. This can last for a complete cycle following antibiotic use. You should use alternative methods of birth control.
- It has been suggested, that drinking pineapple juice before surgery can help minimize swelling. It contains bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that can help decrease inflammation. Drinking pineapple juice, two 6 ounce cans each day for 3 days prior to surgery may smooth your recovery. Taking an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin, with food, the night before your surgery can also help minimize inflammation and swelling. If you are NOT allergic and your physician allows you to take Ibuprofen, you could consider taking up to 600mg (three 200mg over the counter pills or capsules) the night before your procedure.