Mercy Neurosurgery of North IowaBrain, spine & nerve surgery · Mason City, IowaCall 641-428-7847
Draft: this guide is being reviewed by our surgeons. Always follow the instructions your care team gives you.

Getting Ready for Surgery

A little planning makes surgery day easier and helps you heal faster. Read this page a week or two before your surgery.

In the weeks before surgery

  • Make a list of all your medicines. Include pills, shots, inhalers, vitamins, and herbal products. Bring this list to every visit.
  • Ask about blood thinners. Some medicines make you bleed more, like warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil. Your surgeon will tell you if and when to stop each one. Do not stop a blood thinner on your own. Some people need to check with the doctor who prescribed it.
  • Stop smoking and vaping. Nicotine slows healing. It makes it harder for bones to grow together after a spine fusion. Even a few weeks without nicotine helps.
  • Tell us if you get sick. Call us if you get a fever, cold, flu, or any infection before surgery. Your surgery may need to be moved.
  • Get your home ready. Put things you use every day at waist height so you don't have to bend or reach. Clear the floor of rugs and cords so you don't trip.
  • Plan your ride and your helper. You can't drive yourself home. Plan for a family member or friend to stay with you for the first few days.

The night before surgery

  • Follow the eating and drinking rules you were given. Most people can't eat anything after midnight. Your care team will tell you exactly when to stop eating and drinking. An empty stomach makes anesthesia (the sleep medicine) safer.
  • Shower. Use the soap you were given, if any. Do not shave near the surgery area. Shaving can make tiny cuts that let germs in.
  • Take off jewelry and nail polish. Leave valuables at home.

The morning of surgery

  • Take only the medicines you were told to take, with a small sip of water.
  • Do not use lotion, makeup, or deodorant.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to put on.
  • Get to the hospital at the time you were given. The surgery start time is later than your arrival time.

What to bring

  • Your photo ID and insurance card
  • Your list of medicines
  • Glasses, hearing aids, or dentures, and a case for each
  • Your CPAP machine if you use one for sleep
  • Any brace or collar you were given for your surgery
Questions you might want to ask usHow long will I stay in the hospital? When can I drive? When can I go back to work? How will my pain be treated? It's a good idea to write your questions down before your visit.
Your care team's instructions come first.This page is general information. If anything here is different from what your surgeon or nurse told you, follow their instructions.