Hi there,
I am sure the anesthesiologist and the hospital will want to know about your family's heart history, but primarily they are concerned with your current health status and whether there are any special considerations. This is major surgery and the hospital, your doctor, and your anesthesiologist want to take the very best care of you, so ge sure to give them as complete information as you can. You may want to spend some time remembering and making notes before your appointment.
Part of my pre op exam was done by my internist in the office, and part was done at the hospital. But, these are the tests that I had: laboratory tests on blood and urine, an EKG , and a chest x-ray. The anesthesiologist interviewed me and took a history of family health history, and well as my own health history. I had been a patient at the hospital a short time before, and the nurse got my chart from medical records and the anesthesiologist reviewed it during our interview. I believe he also listened to my heart and lungs.
I have heard that some hospitals place your ID bracelet on at the time of your pre op, and they want you to wear it until you come back the day of surgery. My hospital did not do that.
Of course, there is the usual paperwork for insurance purposes, so be sure to take your insurance card and a photo ID with you.
The pre op exam is really not anything more than what you would experience during a regular physical exam. It is just very thorough. This is a good time to talk with your anesthesiologist and have him answer your questions. Don't hesitate to share your concerns and tell him if you are nervous. Be sure to tell him if you have any allergies at all, especially drug allergies.
Check the list of herbs, etc. that you should avoid at the top of the Pre Op menu page. And call your own doctor if you have any additional questions before the day of surgery.
Please stay in touch and let us know if you have any other concerns or questions. We will help you any way we can.
Blessings and
s
Pre-op
