Comfortable Post Surgery Experience

Please read carefully before you have surgery at your next appointment.

Drs. Bradway, Hagel-Bradway and the staff want this experience to be  very smooth and comfortable. It is important that you follow these instructions closely in order to obtain the best possible results.

1. THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY: Begin taking your non-narcotic pain medications. These will most likely be Aleve®, Tylenol® or similar medication (see below). If you have any questions please call the office at 1-253-759-5100
   1. Aleve – This is an over the counter medication that may be purchased without a prescription. Take two tablets twice a day starting the day before and the morning of your surgery. Continue this dosage twice daily for the first post-operative week.
2. THE DAY OF SURGERY: Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing such as jogging outfits, which cover your legs but will allow us access to your arms and upper chest. We keep the room cooler than normal for surgery.
3. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR SEDATION.
   1. We will be using Halcion® as a sedation agent for oral sedation and Versed® for IV Sedation. Both are very safe and effective drugs; however, while you are under the influence of the drug, it has profound effects on your memory, perception, and reaction time.
   2. YOU CANNOT DRIVE WITH THIS MEDICATION; IT IS NEITHER SAFE NOR LEGAL. You must be driven to and from your appointment. Your driver needs to either stay at our office or be back to the office at least 15 minutes prior to the end of your scheduled surgery time.
   3. Make arrangements to have your escort take you into your place of residence after the procedure. After you get home you will want to take a 1-2 hour nap. It is wise to have someone at home who can check on you and assist with meals, medications, etc.
   4. DO NOT RETURN TO WORK. Even if you feel alert, this drug will effect your perception and response time. You will not be safe to make decisions in the work place.
   5. NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK THE MORNING OF SURGERY.
4. AFTER THE SURGERY: Prescriptions will be given to you the day of surgery.
   1. ORAL HYGIENE: Maintain good oral hygiene throughout your mouth between now and your appointment date.
      1. Peridex – Fill this prescription and start using as directed. Directions for continued use will be given on an individual basis. If, after surgery, your teeth are sensitive to cold, warm the liquid for 10 seconds in a microwave.
   2. EATING: You can eat a relatively normal diet. Any well cooked food that you can place in your mouth on a spoon or a fork will be fine. Stay away from popcorn or foods with small seeds. Seeds and husks from these foods can get into the surgical site and cause pain and swelling. If you try firmer foods such as meats, sandwiches, pizza, etc. and you are feeling more discomfort at the site of surgery, avoid these foods for a week. Also inform the Doctor or Staff.
   3. PRESCIPTIONS: You may have prescriptions that need to be filled. Please follow all medication instructions. If you have any questions regarding medication please call 1-253-759-5100.
      1. Vicodin – This is a pain medication. It may be used in addition to the Aleve in the recommended dosage. THIS MEDICATION IS A NARCOTIC AND WILL ALTER YOUR PERCEPTION AND REACTION TIME. YOU CANNOT DRIVE OR OPERATE MACHINEREY SAFELY WHEN YOU ARE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THIS DRUG.
      2. Antibiotic – Follow the specific directions for taking this medication. IF YOU EXPERIENCE A RASH, DIFFICULTING BREATHING, STOMACH UPSET, OR LOWER INTESTINAL DISTRESS PLEASE CALL US at 253-759-5100 or call the doctor by pager at 253-207-3743 or by cell phone at 253-278-0402.
   4. MEDICATIONS PRESCIBED BY YOUR PHYSCIAN: If you take other prescription medicines, please do not discontinue their use unless advised to do so by your physician or this office. If you have a change in your health status, it must be reported immediately to the nurse.