Some Pre-op Questions

My surgeon told me no Motrin or Excedrin 7 days prior to surgery.....I haven't taken any since!  I am 9 weeks out today. I used to take 8 Motrin and 4 Excedrin prior to surgery!!  (I have knee issues)  I guess losing 40 pounds has taken the stress off my knee.  I think it helped getting off Excedrin too (they have caffeine) - I no longer have headaches!! Good luck with your surgery - I have had no regrets!!  - Keep us posted!! Kris

My biggest source of medication issues was the anesthesiologist.  My surgeon had me stop the aspirin 1 month out.  and the rest of my meds were reviewed by the anestesiologist.  He had me stop all my meds the day before, except for the Paxil, and the Vytorin.  I took them the morning of.  have you had your pre-op appointment with the anesthesiologist?

 I have both my pre-op appointment with the surgeon and the anethesiologist appointment on 4/12 which is one week before surgery.  For some reason I was thinking Aleve and similar meds had to be stopped at least two weeks prior.  I think I will call the surgeon's office to confirm and then just wait for my two appointments on the 12th the find out about my other meds.  Thanks to all for your comments - it was all very helpful.

Aleve is an NSAID, which can cause bleeding issues as they thin the blood. I was told to stop it at least two weeks pre-op. (Which really SUCKED, as I have severe arthritis.) After surgery, I was allowed to take ONE Aleve a day for the first month, then I was cleared to go back to taking it "as needed".

You do need to stop all NSAIDS well in advance of surgery. I've got bad arthritis also, but managed somehow. My surgeon also said that if I could somehow do withoutthem for a month afterward, I would heal much better, and to really try to make it at least 2 weeks. I've made it to near 3 weeks, but
am about to have to start back, as I just have too much paiin in my hands and back.