Watch: in my words
What happens on the day of surgery — for me and my family
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A month before
- See your dentist if you’re having valve surgery. A dental infection can spread to a new valve, so you’ll need a dental clearance confirming there’s no infection.
- Stop smoking. It lowers your risk of breathing and anesthesia problems. Ask us about programs that help.
The weeks before
- Go over every medicine and supplement with your team. Some, like blood thinners, may need to be stopped — but don’t stop anything on your own.
- If you take diabetes medicine, ask what to change before surgery.
- Call the office if you develop a cold, fever, cough or sore throat close to your surgery date.
- Write down your questions for your pre-surgery visit.
- Traveling to us? On long drives or flights, get up and walk every hour. Our guide for out-of-town patients.
The night before and the morning of
- Usually nothing to eat or drink after midnight; take only the medicines you’ve been told to, with a small sip of water.
- Follow your instructions for showering and skin cleansing. Don’t shave your chest or legs.
- Remove all jewelry, bring a list of your medicines, and leave valuables at home.
Your own instructions come from your surgical team and take priority over this general guide.
Getting your home ready
- Line up a ride home and rides to follow-up visits — you won’t be driving for several weeks.
- Arrange help at home for the first weeks, and consider making and freezing meals.
- Have a thermometer and a bathroom scale — you’ll track temperature and weight.
- Move small rugs and furniture that could cause a fall, and put everyday items within easy reach so you don’t lift or stretch.
- Set up automatic bill payments.
What to pack
Phone charger, toiletries, a bathrobe and non-slip slippers, something to pass the time, your list of medicines, and any work leave paperwork.
Sources for this section: Cleveland Clinic — Preparing for cardiac surgery · American Heart Association — How can I recover from heart surgery?
Common questions
Do I need to see a dentist before surgery?
Before valve surgery, yes — you’ll need a dental clearance confirming there’s no infection, because mouth bacteria can infect a new valve.
Should I stop my medicines?
Only as your team directs. Some medicines, such as blood thinners and some diabetes medicines, may be changed before surgery, but never stop one on your own.
What if I get sick right before surgery?
Call the surgeon’s office if you develop a cold, fever, cough, sore throat or other illness in the days before surgery.
