Preparing for Surgery
We are here to help
Our staff is always here to answer questions or concerns about your upcoming surgery. It is our hope that during the time you spend with us, you will sense our promise to provide the best possible care for you and your loved ones. If at any point before you after your procedure you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us and share them.
Insurance
Call your insurance company for questions regarding your coverage. The phone number can be found on the back of your insurance card. If further assistance is needed, our prior authorization staff will be available to assist you.
Eating Before Surgery
The night before your surgery, eat a light (i.e. soup, toast or Jell-o) supper unless you have been told not to. Do not smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink anything including coffee after midnight unless your nurse or doctor told you it was okay.
Hygiene
Take a shower or bath the night before or the morning of surgery with an antibacterial soap (Dial). Please do not apply lotions, powders, or oils to your skin.
Remove all colored nail polish, hairpins, and jewelry. Pack lightly and wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
Medications
A nurse from the surgery department will call you prior to your surgery to review your medications and instruct you on which medications to TAKE the morning of your procedure and which medications to HOLD until after your procedure. Medications should be taken with a small sip of water. Do not take any ACE inhibitors, oral diabetics, herbal medications, or vitamins. If you are on any anticoagulants such as Warfarin/Coumadin or taking any insulin, please follow your physician’s recommendations for morning dosing. Please bring with you all current medicine bottles including insulin, accucheck machine, inhalers, vitamins, herbals, and over-the-counter medications.
What should I bring to the hospital?
All current medicine bottles including insulin, accucheck machine and inhalers, vitamins, herbals, and over-the-counter medications. If you wear contact lenses, bring their storage case. If you use items like a cane, crutches, a walker, wheelchair, C-PAP machine, or hearing aids, please bring them with you. You should also bring your Insurance cards and any Medicare/Medicaid numbers.
If you have completed an Advanced Medical Directive or “5 Wishes”.
Please do not bring valuables such as jewelry, credit cards, checkbooks, excess clothing, or more than $5.00 to the hospital with you.
If any problems arise prior to your arrival for surgery, please call 218-631-7581 or 218-631-3510 and ask for the Surgery department.
Parking
Astera Health is located at 421 11th St. NW, Wadena, MN 56482. Valet service is available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Weather
If weather prevents travel, please call 218-631-7557 or 218-631-3510 to postpone surgery.
What if I don’t feel good?
If you become sick or don’t feel well, such as a cold, fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, or vomiting the day before your surgery, please call 218-631-7557 or 218-631-3510. For your safety, it may be necessary to postpone your surgery.What to Expect
Before surgery you will change into a patient gown and robe since the operating room is a germ-free area. You will be given a name band for your wrist, and information on what to expect during surgery. For patient safety, you will be asked to verify your name and date of birth before receiving medications or having procedures. Staff will also ask many questions about your health history. Before surgery you will:
- Go to the restroom.
- Remove all dentures, partials or plates.
- Remove hearing aids, wigs, hairpieces, hair clips, man-made limbs, contact lenses, glasses, and jewelry including body piercings.
Once in the Operating Room, you will be awake long enough to meet the Operating Room staff and visit with staff that will be caring for you. A staff member will wash your skin with special soap and may shave the skin. This is to prevent infection from the many germs in hair and skin.
Family & Friends
Your support team is welcome to accompany you through the surgery process. There are adequate waiting rooms and our North Star Cafe offers a wide variety of food options for them throughout your visit.
Anesthesia
There are several types of anesthesia to stop pain and feeling during surgery. Anesthesia staff and your surgeon will help you decide which type of anesthesia is best for you. The anesthesia staff will administer your anesthesia and remain at your side during surgery. Other staff, such as nurses and technicians, will be present during surgery to assist your doctor.Post Surgery
Once surgery is done, you will be taken to the Recovery Room to be watched closely by specially trained nurses. Nurses will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and pain level until you are fully awake. Your family will be waiting for you in your room.
After surgery, your mouth may feel very dry, but you will not be given any water until you are more awake or until your doctor orders it. Warm blankets will be available if you feel cool after surgery.
The area of your surgery, called an “incision” may hurt, which is normal after surgery. In order to keep you comfortable, your nurse will ask you often about your pain. Please tell your nurse if you are uncomfortable. Non-drug comfort measures and pain medication will be given as soon as possible.
At any time if you have questions or concerns regarding your surgery, please call 218-631-7557 or 218-631-3510