Before your surgery
- You will have a history and physical done by a cardiovascular nurse associate or a resident doctor.
- The doctor who puts you to sleep (the anaesthetist) will visit you.
- Your surgeon will explain your surgery.
- Your nurse will show you a video explaining your stay.
- A member of the open heart support group will visit you.
- Your nurse will prepare you for surgery and arrange for blood tests, EKG and any other test you might need. The nurse will give you specific instructions Re: skin cleansing and clipping of chest hair prior to your surgery.
- You should not eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery.
- You may be approached by a research person to ask for permission to enter a research trial. These studies undergo a thorough screening by other doctors to ensure they are safe. The results can improve the care of all patients. Your help is appreciated.
- Before you come to hospital you should give some thought about discharge plans. By discharge you should be able to walk by yourself (if you did so before surgery) and manage your own personal care. You need to make plans to have someone help you with housework and to get groceries. We suggest you are not alone when you first go home.
