10 Days Before Surgery

Do's

• You may take Tylenol before and after surgery for headache, pain, or fever.
• Report any symptoms of a cold, flu, virus, skin infection, boil or pustule
• Wash the surgical area with a germ-inhibiting soap like Dial or Safeguard. If your skin is sensitive to these soaps, discontinue using them.
• Take 325 mg of Ferrous Gluconate, an iron supplement, three times a day.
• Take a multi-vitamin once a day.
• Schedule pre-admission tests:
  
• Blood
  and if required by Dr. Markus:
  
• Mammogram
  
• EKG

Don'ts

• You may not take Aspirin, medications containing Aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory drugs because they interfere with blood clotting. This means no Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, Ascriptin, Bufferin, Cope, Coricidan, Davon Compound, Dristan, Empirin, Excedrin, Fiorinal, Vanquish, St John's Wort, or Ginkgo Biloba. For a complete list, click here.
• You may not drink alcohol, smoke or use nicotine products, or take medications, herbal medications, dietary supplements unless cleared by Dr. Markus's office. To get clearance give Dr. Markus a complete list of vitamins, over-the-counter and prescription medications that you currently take.
• You may not take Vitamin E, except in a multi-vitamin.

Evening Before Surgery

Do's

• Wash your hair-you will not be allowed to shower or wash your hair for several days after surgery.

Don'ts

• Do not eat or drink after midnight.

Day of Surgery

Do's

• After surgery, use the bathroom with assistance.

Don'ts

• Do not eat or drink before surgery. When you brush your teeth, do not swallow the rinse water.