Preparing for Surgery

The time leading up to your surgery can be very stressful. Dr. Chahla and his team strive to help ease this process for you, and we are here to assist you in any way that we can. Here are a few important things leading up to your surgery to remember in order to ensure that you are prepared:

• Pre-operative Clearance – Pre-operative clearance is required for your health and safety. As our patient, your health is our top priority, and we want to be sure that it is safe to proceed with your surgery. Therefore, we require all pre-operative clearance documents discussed with you at the time that you signed up for surgery to be received by our office 7 days prior to surgery. Pre-operative clearance can be obtained through Rush or your personal primary care office. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact our office at 312.432.2531 or chahlaadmin@rushortho.com.
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME) – Depending on the type of surgery that you are undergoing, you may require a brace, sling, or crutches following your procedure. Additionally, you will have the option to purchase a cold therapy unit (ice machine). The ice machine is not required, although it is recommended in order to help manage post-operative pain and swelling. All of these items can be obtained through our DME office. Before surgery day, an email will be sent to you from our DME Team with further information regarding this. There is a DME office located at all of the Midwest Orthopaedic at Rush clinic sites should you wish to look at these items in person. No appointment is necessary. Additionally, you can always contact our DME office at 708.492.5664 with any questions.
• Schedule Physical Therapy
• Initial Post-operative Visit – If you do not have the date of your initial post-operative visit with Dr. Chahla’s team, please contact our office directly at 312.432.2531
• Consult Dr. Chahla’s Surgical Booklet for the list of any medications that need to be discontinued leading up to your surgery.
• Pick up Post-Operative Medications
• Driving Restrictions – Following surgery, you will not be allowed to drive while taking narcotic medications or if using a sling, brace/cast, or crutches. Therefore, please begin coordinating with family and/or friends to assist you around your home and transport you to and from physical therapy as well as follow-up appointments with your surgical team. We recommend planning ahead for this to help ease your stress following surgery.

Download our Preoperative Booklet.

Click to download PDF