Preparing for Surgery
The weeks before, the day of, and the first days at home.
Do I need to stop eating or drinking before surgery?
Yes. Most orthopedic procedures require you to stop eating and drinking for a set number of hours beforehand, and your surgical team will give you the exact cutoff time based on your procedure and the type of anesthesia used.
This instruction protects you during anesthesia, so it is one to follow exactly rather than adjust on your own.
Should I keep taking my regular medications before surgery?
Not automatically. Some medications, including blood thinners, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some diabetes medications, may need to be paused or adjusted before surgery, while others should be continued on schedule.
Your surgical team will review everything you take and tell you exactly what to stop, what to continue, and when to resume each one.
What do I need to arrange at home before surgery?
Plan for someone to drive you home and to be available for at least the first day afterward.
Set up a resting area that does not require stairs right away, keep ice packs and any prescribed supplies within reach, and arrange time off work or help with daily tasks if your recovery will limit your movement for a period.
What happens on the day of surgery?
You will check in, change into a gown, and meet briefly with your surgical team and anesthesia provider before the procedure begins.
Afterward, you will spend time in a recovery area while the anesthesia wears off, and most patients having outpatient orthopedic procedures go home the same day with a family member or friend.
Is it normal to have pain, swelling, or bruising after surgery?
Yes, some pain, swelling, and bruising near the surgical site is expected in the days that follow most orthopedic procedures.
This usually eases gradually with rest, ice, elevation, and the pain management plan your surgical team gives you, and it is not expected to steadily worsen.
When can I expect to return to activity or sport?
There is no single timeline, and it depends on the procedure, the joint involved, and how your body responds to healing.
Because Dr. Bishai's practice is centered on sports medicine, he builds your return-to-activity guidance around the specific demands of your sport and daily routine, and will walk through that timeline with you directly.
What symptoms after surgery mean I should call the office right away?
Call the office if you notice a fever, redness or warmth spreading from the incision, drainage that looks cloudy or has an odor, pain that suddenly worsens instead of improving, or new numbness or loss of movement.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in your calf, since these can signal a medical emergency rather than a normal part of recovery.
Who do I call with questions before or after surgery?
Call the office directly.
Dr. Shariff Bishai's team in Troy, Michigan, is available to answer questions about preparation, medications, or anything you notice during recovery, and contact information is listed on the practice's contact page.
This information is educational and does not replace guidance from your surgical team. Always follow the specific instructions your surgeon gives you for your procedure.
Ready to talk about your hip, knee, shoulder and ankle?
Call the office or request an appointment. Accepting new patients.