Before Your Surgery: Checklist & Medications to Stop

Use this checklist in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Your surgeon’s office will tell you which items apply to you.

Checklist to Complete Before Surgery

1. See your primary care physician for a history and physical and medical clearance for surgery.
2. If you have existing heart problems, obtain cardiac clearance from your cardiologist.
3. Complete the required lab work and testing. All pre-operative testing must be completed within 3 months of your surgery date.
4. Complete your pre-assessment appointment with anesthesia. Usually they will call you to schedule it.
5. Schedule an office appointment with Dr. Ellsworth to review the procedure and discuss any questions you have. This can often be done on the same day as your anesthesia pre-assessment.
6. Obtain a pre-operative CT scan if one has been ordered for surgical planning.
7. Stop your medications at the appropriate times, as listed under Medications to Stop Before Surgery below.
8. Review Preparing for Surgery and the Common Post-Op Medications section below.

Pre-Operative Testing for Joint Replacement

Before a shoulder or knee replacement, typical testing includes blood work, a urinalysis, a chest x-ray, and an EKG if you see a cardiologist. Your surgeon’s office will tell you exactly which tests you need.

Medications to Stop Before Surgery

Blood thinners such as Plavix, Coumadin, Xarelto, and Eliquis are often prescribed by another doctor. Talk with the prescribing doctor about the best time to stop them. If you have questions about stopping any of these medications, contact our office or your pre-assessment team.

Common Post-Op Medications

You may be prescribed some or all of the following after surgery. Take each medication exactly as prescribed and follow the instructions on your pharmacy label. Your prescriptions may differ from this list.

• Anti-inflammatory (such as meloxicam or naproxen): reduces pain and inflammation. typically taken for 2 weeks after surgery. If you are unable to take anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), you will not be prescribed one.
• Aspirin: helps prevent blood clots, typically continued for 14 days after shoulder replacement and 30 days after knee replacement. If you already take a blood thinner, you will not take aspirin after surgery.
• Pregabalin (Lyrica): a nerve medication that helps with night pain and nerve irritation.
• Narcotic pain medication (such as oxycodone, or hydrocodone-acetaminophen if you are unable to take oxycodone): for pain as needed. Do not drive while taking narcotic medication.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): taken on a schedule to help control pain. If your narcotic medication also contains acetaminophen, your Tylenol dosing will be adjusted. Follow your prescribed instructions so you do not take too much acetaminophen.