How should I prepare for thumb surgery?
When the surgery is decided, the doctor and his staff will plan the procedure at the hospital. To ensure if the patient is fit for surgery, blood tests and other diagnostic tests are performed. In case, if you have multiple and severe medical conditions, you will be advised to visit your general physician before the surgery.
The night before the surgery, you will be instructed not to eat anything. Seven days prior to the surgery, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and aspirin should be stopped. Discontinuation of blood thinning medications, such as Coumadin or Plavix is also preferred. Additionally, medications for rheumatoid arthritis also need to be stopped. You will be instructed by the surgeon based on your medication list, and you must follow accordingly.