The Day of Surgery
If you are delayed in arriving, please call the surgery center as soon as possible at (413) 286-1020.
On the day of surgery, we ask that you
Bathe before you arrive for surgery. Remove all make-up. DO NOT use lotions, oils, or perfume / cologne.
Do NOT shave the operative area.
Do NOT bring valuables with you on the day of surgery.
Do NOT wear jewelry of any kind.
You will be asked to remove dentures and glasses when getting ready for surgery, so please bring a case with you. If you wear contacts, please remove them and wear your glasses.
Bring a list of all current medications (including vitamins and herbals), the dosage and how often you take them.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is big enough to accommodate a large bandage, brace or sling after surgery. Please wear comfortable slip-on, flat shoes.
Shoulder and neck surgery patients please bring an oversized easy to button-up shirt.
Bring a picture ID, insurance cards, and any copay.
If you have a Massachusetts Health Care Proxy form, please bring it on the day of surgery so a copy can be placed in your medical record.
Bring any orthopedic device provided to you ( i.e. sling, surgical shoe, braces, crutches, walkers).
Visitors
One caregiver (over the age of 16) may remain with you prior to your procedure in the pre-operative area and in the recovery room following the procedure.
If your child is having surgery, both parents / legally designated caregiver are allowed to be in the pre-operative and recovery room areas. A parent / legally designated caregiver must stay at the center during the surgery. Please leave all other children at home if possible.
Your anesthesiologist, surgeon, and operating room nurse will visit you in pre-op. They will re-verify information and answer any questions you may have. You will be in the pre-operative area for about one to two hours depending on the procedure.
After your surgery, you will be taken directly to the recovery room where you will again be monitored by nurses.
The Recovery Room
Your caregiver will be allowed in the Recovery Room with you when it is appropriate. For the privacy of you and other patients, limited visitors are allowed in the recovery area. You will be offered crackers and a light beverage. The length of time you will be in the Recovery Room is dependent on the type of procedure and anesthesia you had, your pain level, and your ability to tolerate fluids.
Once you are awake and alert, the nurse will review with you and your caregiver the discharge instructions written by your physician which you are to follow at home. You will be given a copy of your discharge instructions to take home with you.
Please note: Everyone reacts to surgery differently. In some cases, the patient may need to be admitted to the hospital following the surgery for specific medical reasons. If the need arises, be assured that this decision will be made in conjunction with anesthesia personnel and your surgeon. You would be admitted to Baystate Medical Center.
When You Go Home
If you have had anesthesia / sedation please follow these discharge instructions upon arrival home:
You must have your care-giver stay with you for the first 24 hours. You may be drowsy or dizzy and unsteady on your feet.
Rest and relax. You have just had surgery. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for resuming your normal activities.
Eat a light meal when you get hungry. Eating too much, or heavy foods, may cause you to become nauseated.
Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions on resuming any previous medications you had been on, as well as taking any pain medication prescribed for you.
Do NOT drive, drink alcoholic beverages, operate heavy machinery or power tools for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
If you feel you are experiencing any problems after your discharge, call your doctor’s office immediately. If your doctor is not available call the Emergency Room at your local hospital or 9-1-1 if it is an extreme emergency.
You will receive a phone call from a member of our nursing staff on the following business day to check on your progress.
If Your Child is Having Surgery
Baystate New England Orthopedic Surgery Center is a child-friendly facility. Our surgeons perform several different types of children’s surgeries each year. Our nursing staff has had many years of experience in caring for children and understands the impact surgery has on them. You and your child are welcome to take a tour of our center the day before your child’s surgery to relieve any uneasiness the child may have. Please contact our center in advance to arrange this opportunity.
Children over the age of 2 years may have nothing to eat or drink after midnight unless otherwise instructed.
If your child is under 18 years old, a parent, or legal guardian must accompany the child, sign all consent forms, and remain in the building for the duration of the surgery. Legal guardians must bring guardianship paperwork.
Parent / legally designated caregiver will be asked to wear an identifying bracelet with the same information contained on the child’s bracelet. You may remove these once you are discharged from the facility.
Parent / legally designated caregiver shall remain in the pre-operative area with the child until the time of surgery.
Parent / legally designated caregiver shall NOT leave the facility while the child is having surgery.
Parent / legally designated caregiver may be with the child during the recovery process as soon as Anesthesia / Recovery Room nurse determines it is appropriate.
If possible, arrangements should be made for the care of siblings. The child having surgery will need your full attention.
Encourage your child to bring a favorite toy or blanket.
If your child uses diapers, a pacifier, a bottle, or a “sippy” cup, please bring them along.