Preparing for Surgery
Arrival
We are located at 3007 14th Street SW. We are pleased to offer free underground parking for our patients in our heated parkade located off 29th Ave (west side of building). There is no code to access our parkade; the doors will open once you drive down the ramp. There are designated parking stalls on the right, across from the elevator. Please make your way up to the 3rd floor of the building where you will be greeted by our staff that will direct you.
There is also limited street parking available on:
● 14th St SW
● 30th Ave SW
● 29th Ave SW
1 week before your surgery
Our surgical nurse will give you a phone call to check in prior to surgery and review pre/post-operative instructions, confirm you have a responsible driver, how to get here, and answer questions or concerns you may have.
Day of your surgery
Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight on the day of your surgery. Take your medications approved by your surgeon with just a small sip of water.
Please ensure you bring your government issued ID and Alberta health care card on the day of your surgery.
We ask that you leave any valuables, such as jewelry, cash, credit cards, etc. at home. Please bring a case for your glasses or contact lenses, if necessary.
We ask that your responsible driver checks in with you at the front desk prior to your surgery. When picking you up, your driver can park in the parkade and one of our recovery nurses will assist to bring you down to your vehicle after the surgery.
Post-Operative Recovery
Please note that the following instructions are generalized and you will receive surgery-specific, in-depth post-operative instructions from your surgeon's office and with our recovery room nurse.
Recovery
Having a reliable friend family member present during the initial 48 to 72 hours following surgery is recommended. They can assist with your daily tasks and be available in case of an emergency.
Our surgical nurse will give you a call the day after your surgery to check in on you and answer any questions or concerns regarding your recovery.
During the first 24 hours post-surgery, opt for light meals, ensuring you consume something, even if it’s just a few bites. Taking medication on an empty stomach may lead to nausea and dizziness.
Maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water.
Expect some discomfort after your surgery. Adhering to your prescribed pain medication regimen is essential. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s recommendations and take your medication as directed.
Keep in mind that post-operative swelling is a normal part of the recovery process and will diminish over time.
If your surgeon prescribes icing, avoid placing ice packs or cold compresses directly on your skin. Follow the surgeon’s instructions closely and change the ice pack regularly to keep the treated area cool, which aids in reducing swelling and discomfort.
Regularly monitor your temperature, as an elevated reading could indicate an infection.
Dressings & Drains
Adhere to your surgeon’s guidelines and use the provided dressings and/or garments as they offer appropriate compression levels.
Follow your surgeon’s recommendations regarding bathing and changing dressings – typically 48 hours after surgery. Do not rub, scrub, or apply any lotions, gels, oils, scented soaps, etc. directly over your incision. If steri-strips are applied to your incision, do not remove them – they will naturally fall off on their own.
If a drain was inserted, empty it 3-4 times daily and document the amount of output every time you empty it.
Drains must remain compressed (squeezed) to function effectively. Your recovery nurse will review your drains with you, how to empty them, and provide drain care resources for you to take home.
Your drains should be producing less output each day. Anticipate the removal of your drains during your post-operative appointment at your surgeon’s office.
Activity
During the initial week after your surgery, it’s crucial to rest often. Limit activities to gentle tasks like walking around the house.
Allow your body ample time to recuperate and refrain from exercising until cleared by your surgeon.
Medications
Your surgeon will prescribe you with medications to take post-operatively.
Strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage of all your medications.
If antibiotics are part of your treatment plan, ensure you take them as prescribed, completing the full course without skipping any doses.
Avoid consuming alcohol while on pain medication.
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking prescribed pain medication.
To prevent nausea, always take your pain medication with food, particularly if your stomach is empty.
Notify your surgeon's office immediately if
You develop a fever, chills, extreme redness, swelling, or a sudden increase in pain, tenderness, and discharge around your incision or the surrounding area
If you have excessive bleeding that saturates your dressings
If you have any questions regarding your post-operative care or medications
Patient Info
I am interested in a surgical procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find us
We are located at 3007 14th Street SW, in suite 301. Please make your way up to the 3rd floor of the building where you will be greeted by our staff that will help direct you.
Where to park
We are pleased to offer free underground parking for our patients in our heated parkade located off 29th Ave (west side of building). There is no code to access our parkade. The doors will open once you drive down the ramp.
You will find one elevator once underground. We ask your responsible driver picking you up post-surgery to please park in the parkade, and one of our recovery nurses will bring the patient down. There is also limited street parking available on:
● 14th St SW
● 30th Ave SW
● 29th Ave SW
Hours of operation
Our centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:00AM-4:00PM. Our elevators are accessible by 7:30AM. Our main office number is 403-764-7545.
Please have the following prepared upon arrival
Government issued ID
Alberta health care card
Please refrain from bringing
Expensive items
Jewelry
Anything valuable