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Preparing for Surgery What about my medical history? Prior to your arrival at our office you will be asked to complete registration materials and a medical history form. To help ensure that you are seen in a timely manner, please complete these forms before the day of your appointment, and bring them with you. Also, please request that your referring doctor forward a copy of your biopsy report and any other pertinent records to our office prior to your appointment, if this has not already been done. What about my medications? Continue any medications prescribed by your doctor. However, aspirin is a drug that may prolong bleeding. We ask that you avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing products (including Anacin, Bufferin, Excedrin, Alka Seltzer, Nazoral, and Percodan), and products containing Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for 10 days prior to surgery. You may take Tylenol any time before surgery if needed for pain. If you are taking the blood thinner, Coumadin, it is not necessary to stop it. In addition, alcohol will also promote bleeding, so avoid alcoholic beverages 48 hours before surgery. Please avoid wearing make-up, perfume, nail polish, and jewelry, as these may also interfere with the areas to be treated. What about transportation? We strongly recommend that you arrange for a companion to drive you to and from the doctor’s office on the day of surgery. Even though many surgeries may seem “minor,” sometimes the necessary bandages may interfere with vision or mobility, and can make driving dangerous. In addition, some patients may require a light sedative for surgery and will be prohibited from driving afterward. What about breakfast? We suggest that you eat a normal breakfast on the day of surgery, unless other special instructions have been provided by your referring physician. How long will my appointment be? The most difficult part of the procedure is waiting for the results of the surgery. Since we do not know in advance how much time is necessary to remove the cancer and repair the wound, we ask that you plan to be in the office the entire day and that you make no other commitments.
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