FAQs
How do I make an appointment?
Simply call us at during our working hours.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
Most medical specialists will accept only referred patients. This is mainly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for you and your condition. Check with your insurance company to see if a referral is necessary.
What to bring for your initial consultation?
For your initial consultation you will need to bring a referral letter from your physician if required.
Here is check list for your initial consultation:
- Referral letter
- Insurance or Medicare card
- List of medications
- X-ray and scan results
We encourage you to come to your initial consultation with a written list of questions to ensure you don’t forget to ask them when you visit the doctor.
Are my medical records kept private and confidential?
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.
How long do I need time off work after the surgery?
The post-operative recovery period varies based on the surgery. Generally, it is recommended patients take two weeks off work to recover from any surgery and to resume light duty following resumption of work. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow for a successful recovery.
How long before I can resume driving?
You should wait at least one week before driving after surgery. The effects of anesthetic and surgery can affect judgment and reflexes during the first week following your surgery. Your surgeon will provide more specifics after considering your condition.
When can I resume exercise?
Your doctor will instruct you about post-treatment exercises – the type and the duration to be followed. You may be referred to a physical therapist to help with strengthening and range of motion exercises following surgery.
How do I contact after hours?
There will be a point of contact 24 hours a day for any concerns you may have. You will be provided with contact details following your treatment.
What are the non-surgical treatment options?
The non-surgical treatment options include rest, medications including analgesics and antibiotics, injections, and physical/occupational therapy.
Will physical therapy be required after surgery?
Getting full range of motion, strength, and flexibility back after surgery usually takes time. That is where pre-operative exercise, education, and post -operative physical therapy programs come in – to ensure you are physically and emotionally prepared for surgery and to maximize your recovery after surgery.
What are the risks associated with surgery?
As with any surgery, risks include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, stiffness and nerve damage. Your doctor will discuss the risks associated with your specific procedure.
When can I return to daily activities?
This varies depending on the type of procedure undergone, and can range from a few days to a few months. Return to all activities, sports and exercise can take up to four to six months. Your doctor will advise you depending on your health condition.
What can happen if surgery is avoided?
Some complications of not undergoing an orthopedic surgery for your condition include pain, loss of joint motion, joint weakness, numbness and an early onset of arthritis.
What are the most common injuries?
The most common orthopedic injuries are sprains and strains, fractures and dislocations. Injuries can occur when playing indoor or outdoor sports or while exercising. Sports injuries can result from accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises.
Do you need to donate blood prior to surgery?
It is unlikely that you will need a blood transfusion and there is nobenefit to donating blood prior to yourjoint replacement.
Is it normal to have pain after surgery?
Yes,it is expected to have pain after joint replacement surgery. During your surgery, a local anesthetic is used that can provide pain relief for the first 24hours.
As the numbing medicine wearsoff,it will be important to stay ahead of the pain for the fi48hours.Your oral pain medication will help with this.
Is it normal to have bruising after surgery?
Bruising in the area of the incision is normal after surgery. After your joint replacement, your surgeon will have you on a blood thinner. This will help to prevent deep venous thrombosis(DVT),but it will also result in visiblebruising.The bruising will follow gravity and will travel down the legand can even reach the lowerleg and foot.
Is it normal to have swelling after surgery?
Swelling is normal after joint replacement surgery.This will become apparent in the 48 hours following the surgery.The swelling will be present in the thig hand can result in swelling down to the lower leg. Elevating your leg and using ice packs can help to decrease the swelling.
Is it normal to have difficulty sleeping after surgery?
Sleep disturbances after major surgery are very common. Although you we re asleep for your joint replacement, your body under went a major change and is now recovering from this.Many patients will have difficulty sleeping in the weeks following surgery.To help with this,try to avoid napping during the day so that you will betired at night.You may also take over the counter sleeping aids such as Benadryl. Be aware that your pain medication can also cause sedation.
Can the pain medicine cause nausea?
Yes, nausea is a common side effect of all nar cotic pain medications.This includes medicines such as Percocet(oxycodone),Norco(hydrocodone),and Ultram(tramadol).It is helpful to have food in yours to mach when you take your pain medicine.You should also stay hydrated and drink plenty off luids such as water or as ports drink.Ifpossible,try to minimize the nar cotic pain medication and transition to Tyleno landover the counteranti-inflamma to rymedication such as ibu profenorna proxen.
Can the pain medicine cause constipation?
Yes, a common side effec to any pain medication is constipation. You will want to take as tool soft ener to help with this.You may also speak with your pharmacistif you have severe constipation.They can recommend other medications, a suppository, oranenematoassistwiththis.
When can Is wim after surgery?
While it is okay to shower in the days following your joint replacement,most surgeons recommend that your incision is fully healed prior to getting into apoolorjacuzzi.Patients typically return to swimming and tubbathing 4 weeks aftersurgery.
When can Is tart taking my supplements after surgery?
Many studies have shown that certain supplements can increase the risk of bleeding.With this in mind,you will want to hold off on your supplements until you have completed your blood thinning medication.This is typically2-4weeks after your surgery.
When can I drive after surgery?
In order to drive,you must stop using your nar cotic pain medication. Inaddition,you must have rapid response times you can quickly manage the brakean dacceleratorin your car.Typically,patients are able to do this 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
