Things to Bring

• Personal items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, powder, deodorant, comb/brush, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids
• Robe and non-slip slippers
• Any walkers, canes, supportive back corsets, or pre-fitted braces, or any other personal equipment that is designed for your particular needs
• List of medications (with listing of dose and frequency) that you are currently taking
• Loose fitting clothing for when you are discharged home -- a button-up shirt/blouse may be preferable to a pull-over
• Living will, durable power of attorney, or health care power of attorney

Do Not Bring

• Large amounts of cash
• Valuables of any kind
• Medications from home
• Cigarettes/pipes/cigars -- Duke is a non-smoking facility
• Alcohol or illegal drugs
• Food that needs refrigeration
• Any items that will need storage, such as large suitcases

Preoperative Concerns

• Ask your physician about blood donation. Currently most doctors are not recommending that you give blood ahead of time, except for bilateral surgery or revisions, but there may be other reasons why donation may be necessary.
• Ask your doctor about when to stop specific medications if you have not been instructed. This step is usually taken during your preoperative visit for surgery.
• A few days before surgery, eat light meals so that you will not have constipation issues during procedures.

Visitors

Visitors are welcome, but please limit to two at a time. Children under the age of 12 are discouraged, except under special circumstances. Please check with your nurse.

If you are not being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after surgery, one person may stay with you overnight for assistance. This visitor will be permitted to sleep in the recliner. Overnight visitation requires a visitor pass after 9:00 p.m. -- the pass can be obtained from the unit secretary nightly.

Cell phones are not to be used in patient rooms, but may be used in the hall outside of the unit. Please be respectful of patients' privacy, and keep the noise level low in your room.

Length of Hospital Stay by Procedure

The expected length of stay is three nights with discharge the next morning by 11:00 a.m. For some patients, the medical condition may require a longer stay. Your doctor or Patient Resource Manager (PRM) will let you know if this happens.

Please make preparations with family or friends to arrive by 9:00 a.m. on the morning of discharge.

Everyone who is being discharged directly home will have a final physical therapy treatment session and instruction the morning of discharge. Written instructions will be provided by your nurse before you leave. It is helpful to have a family member or friend also present to discuss this information.

Expectations

• You may attend to your own hygiene needs unless you require assistance. Please inform your nurse or nursing assistant if you desire or need help.
• Three meals are served daily by Food Services. If you have special needs, please let your nurse know or discuss this with the dietitian.
• Each bed is equipped with a call system to request help from the nursing assistant or the nurse. It is helpful to indicate which staff member would best suit your needs. Your call light should be answered and request met as soon as possible on a priority basis. There is an emergency call bell located in the bathroom.
• Each patient has a caregiver team assigned to deliver care. Your team may include:
  • Attending physician, residents, and physician assistants. There is always a resident available to evaluate you, write orders, or answer questions.
  • Care nurse and nursing assistants. They will provide round-the-clock monitoring of your condition and will give you medications, treatments, and personal care.
  • Physical therapist. Your therapist will work with you on mobility and precautions resulting from your surgery and provide discharge information as well.
  • Occupational therapist. Your therapist will provide you with information and education about taking care of yourself after discharge.
  • Patient resource manager (PRM). Your PRM will  assist you in making discharge arrangements and contact your insurance company if necessary.

Immediately After Surgery

• The nurses will check on you frequently and assist you to turn.
• The nursing assistant will provide you with a basin of water for washing and will help you with areas you cannot or should not reach. Remember, you must not bend more than 90 degrees forward. Please do as much for yourself as possible.
• You will have an incentive spirometer to use hourly while awake to prevent breathing difficulties. Your nurse will show you how to use the equipment.
• Remember that opioids (narcotics) can cause constipation. Ask for a laxative if the stool softener given to you routinely is not enough.

Blood Clot Prevention

You will start on medication to prevent blood clots. Your surgeon will specify the blood clot medication based on your needs.

One common drug is Lovenox, a medication that is given by a shot through a tiny needle into the fatty tissue on the abdomen. This medication will need to be continued after you leave the hospital. If this is ordered, your nurse will teach you and another person of your choice about how to give this shot. It is simple and easy to learn.

The usual dose of Lovenox is 40 milligrams (mgm), once a day for 10 to 14 days. If you live in a small town, please check with your pharmacy to see if Lovenox is available. If it is not, please ask your local pharmacist to order it so you can obtain it when you get home.

Please Ask Questions

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your care, please let your doctor or nurse know. You may also contact Patient Visitor Relations (919-681-2020).