Before Surgery
Pre-Admission Clinic (PAC)
In the weeks prior to surgery, you will be contacted by the pre admission clinic (PAC with an appointment. When attending your PAC visit bring:
- All medications in their original containers (including vitamins and herbal products)
- Magazine/ book (visit may be 1 to 4 hours long)
- Specific questions you may have about your surgery
At the clinic you may be seen by one or several of the following health care providers:
Nurse
The nurse will go over your medical history and answer any questions you may have about the surgery and the hospital stay.
Anaesthesiologist
A member of the anaesthesia team will examine you and discuss the different types of anaesthesia. Further blood work or tests may be ordered.
There may be a need to delay surgery while further tests are done to ensure it is safe to proceed.
**The anaesthesiologist and nurse will go over your medications with you and advise you which medications should be stopped prior to surgery. You will need to stop all vitamins and herbal medications 10 days before your surgery date or your surgery could be cancelled.
Physiotherapist
A physiotherapist will check the movement and strength in your legs, and arms. You will be instructed on exercises to practice before and after your surgery. The therapist will discuss your expectations, lifestyle habits, hobbies and work activities so that you can work together to develop a rehabilitation plan to meet your goals. The therapist will assess your needs for assistive equipment and make suggestions accordingly.
Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist will discuss changes you will need to make to your home in order to remain safe and follow your movement restrictions. They will also recommend adaptive equipment to make activities of daily living such as getting dressed or bathing easier.