Surgical Patients
Scheduling Your Surgery
Our surgery coordinator, Angie Cristo, will work closely with you to schedule your surgery as soon as we have obtained the proper authorizations and clearances. She will also coordinate your pre-operative appointments and tests, as well as your post operative appointments. You can leave a message for Angie on the patient portal or call 916-229-8890.
Preparing For Surgery
Pre-operative testing will be required prior to surgery. All testing must be completed prior to surgery. Your level of fitness and nutrition prior to surgery should be maintained to the best of your ability. Continue with any fitness activities that do not cause pain. Maintain a healthy balanced diet. Let your doctor know of any sudden changes in your general health.
Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications one week prior to surgery including Motrin, Advil, Naprosyn, Naproxen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Blood thinners Eliquis, and Xarelto should be held 3 days prior to surgery. Plavix, Brilinta, Effient or other anti-platelet drugs should be stopped one week prior to surgery. You can take Tylenol or continue taking your pain medications if they do not contain anti-inflammatory components. Continue taking any other prescription medications for your general health unless instructed otherwise. Failure to stop taking the medications listed above could result in your surgery being postponed or cancelled. Consult with your cardiologist if you have a history of or are at risk for stroke and coronary disease.
Please discuss ALL medications you are taking with Dr. Neubuerger, our surgery coordinator, and any other physicians you are being treated by before surgery. Please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking with you to your surgery appointment.
Any errands (i.e. house cleaning and grocery shopping) should be completed prior to surgery. The fewer concerns you have upon discharge, the easier your transition home will be.
Suggested Items to Bring to the Hospital
Please remember: you are responsible for bringing your diagnostic studies and reports to the hospital such as MRI films, X-Rays, and CT Scans.
Two comfortable loose-fitting outfits (i.e. jogging suit, nightshirts, bathrobe).
Comfortable shoes, socks, and slippers.
Comb/brush, and any other personal grooming items that you normally use daily.
Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
After Your Surgery
At your pre-operative visit, Dr. Neubuerger will provide you with comprehensive information about what to expect and important self-care instructions for after hospital discharge. This information includes instructions on medications for pain management, brace use and care, diet, managing constipation, bathing, incision care, and activity restrictions.
While these instructions are simple, they are extremely important. Most importantly, you should try to keep an optimistic outlook on your recovery. Focus on the positive aspects of your life. As an example, do something fun every day and try not to let your physical limitations overwhelm you. You will most definitely have peaks and valleys during your recovery period, and this is expected as recuperation takes time.
Remember that your operation is only part of the solution to your back or neck problem, the rest is up to you and the amount of effort you put into your recovery. Do not hesitate to message the office on your patient portal or call during business hours if you have any worries, questions, or problems. For serious issues such as wound drainage, fevers, or new neurologic complaints please call the office immediately at 916-229-8890. Your questions and concerns are important. Dr. Neubuerger and his office staff are there to assist you. For emergency situations on weekends or evenings, the exchange will contact the physician on call.