CONSIDERING FOOT SURGERY?

After conservative treatments have been exhausted, one may need to consider surgical options.
Although most foot and ankle surgery is minor, know all the risks and complications involved. Please make sure to ask all your concerns.
Again, it is the foot and carries all of our body weight, so be prepared for recovery time. Most cases are 6-8 weeks, but each patient and case can vary.
Finally, know that you will need help, especially the first few days.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION

If you are planning to have your surgery at a surgery center or hospital, there are usually three charges involved:

  1. The surgeon (Dr . Patel’s),
  2. the anesthesiologist,
  3. and the facility.

When you schedule your surgery, we will provide you an estimate of the surgeon’s portion as well as contact information for the anesthesiologist and facility charge estimates directly. Keep in mind that if you have a deductible, you may be responsible for meeting the deductible before your insurance pays. Since the facility is usually the majority of the cost, payment arrangements can be made with them directly before your surgery.

INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO AND AFTER FOOT SURGERY.

  1. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Mothin) for 7 days prior to surgery.
  2. Avoid alcohol consumption for 3 days prior to surgery

Please notify the doctor if any of the following conditions exist:

  1. Any history of heart disease, including mitral valve prolapse.
  2. You have a cardiac pacemaker.
  3. Any history of bleeding problems or taking any blood thinners.
  4. Any history of poor healing or bad scarring.
  5. Any history of herpes virus infection of the face (fever blisters, cold sores).

If you develop any illness with fever less than 48 hours prior to the foot surgery, please call to reschedule. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office.

FOOT SURGERY PRE OP INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. You may need to get an History and Physical from your PCP.
  2. You will need an EKG, CBC, Chem 7, and Pregnancy Test if applicable.
  3. You will not need to register at the center prior to surgery. We will preregister for you. They will call you 24-48 hours before the surgery.
  4. You will need a ride to/from the surgery center. They will give you an arrival time.
  5. Do not eat or drink 12 hours prior to your surgery. No gum or mints. You may brush your teeth the morning of, however, do not swallow any water with the exception of below.
  6. Do not take any of your medications the day of surgery, with the exception of BLOOD PRESSURE
    MEDICATION. Take this with a small sip of water. Do not take any Diabetic medication.
  7. Bring all your medications with you in the original pill bottles, esp your Diabetic medications/insulin.
  8. Shower the morning of and wear loose clothing. No jewelry, or make up or toe polish.

FOOT SURGERY POST OP INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Ice and Elevate your foot, 30 mins on/off during awake hours for the first week. MINIMAL walking.
  2. Do not get your dressings wet. If you do, please call the office. DO NOT CHANGE YOUR DRESSING UNLESS INSTRUCTED
  3. Take you pain medication for the first two days as instructed, then as necessary after. You will be numb until you arrive home and eat. Take your medication with food.
  4. Take your other medications as you normally would, along with any new medications from us.
  5. If you are permitted to walk, please limit your activity to minimal for the first 2 weeks. Walk on your heel.
  6. If you notice any BLEEDING ON YOUR DRESSING, INCREASED PAIN, NAUSEA, FEVERS, CHILLS, please call us immediately.
Infinity Foot and Ankle -