YOUR APPOINTMENT
Your surgeon’s office will schedule your surgery, and your doctor will advise you of any laboratory tests needed in advance of your appointment.

Prior to your surgery, an SSC nurse will telephone to confirm your appointment, review your health history and go over instructions for preparing for your procedure. If you do not speak with our nurse by three days before your appointment, please telephone 248-206-2990 at your convenience during our business hours.

AT SSC
When you arrive, we have reserved parking for our patients right by our entrance. Once inside, your registration will be completed in a few minutes, and your nurse will escort you to a private room and complete a short assessment. Your anesthesiologist will review your history, do a short physical examination, and discuss the anesthesia to be used for your surgery.

The amount of time you’re in surgery depends on the operation you’ll have. Afterward, your surgeon will talk with your family about your procedure. Your nurse will monitor your condition and care for you until your recovery allows for the adult who brought you to join you. Before you leave, we’ll provide you follow-up instructions related to diet, activity, medication, surgical site care, and minimizing any post-surgical pain.

AT HOME FOLLOWING SURGERY
Follow the instructions given you at the Center, including making and keeping any follow-up doctors’ appointments. One of our nurses will call you the day after surgery to see how you’re feeling and address questions or concerns. We want to make sure your recovery progresses well and that you’re totally satisfied with our services.

If you have any questions or experience any unusual discomfort, call your doctor. In an emergency after hours, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ON PREPARING FOR SURGERY

• If your surgeon orders laboratory tests, we encourage you to have these completed one week before surgery date.
• If you take aspirin products or blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix, your doctor may give you instructions concerning these medications. It is important you follow these exactly.
• To assure your safety during recovery from anesthesia, you must arrange for an adult to accompany and drive you home from SSC. We also recommend that a responsible adult stay with you the night of your surgery.
• Do not eat anything after midnight the night before your surgery. Up to 3 hours before your appointment you may drink clear liquids such as water, apple juice, 7-Up, or black coffee. Don’t consume any juice pulp during this period or use cream or sugar in coffee.
• If you’re a diabetic don’t take oral diabetic medication or insulin the day of surgery. Take your blood pressure medication in the morning, if you normally do so, and bring your insulin to SSC.
• If you use an inhaler, bring it with you to SSC.
• Follow any additional instructions your surgeon gives.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING TO SSC

• Leave your valuables at home or with the adult accompanying you.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• If you’re having shoulder surgery, wear a large button-down top and elastic waist pants, and have a pillow in the car for your ride home.
• Bring your insurance cards and a photo identification, such as a driver’s license.
• If you use hearing aids, reading glasses, or contact lenses and eye drops, bring these.
• Have a list of medications and supplements you take, along with the amounts and frequency taken.