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General
What should I know about my medicines?
How do I get a refill on my medications?
What if I have questions about my bill?
What should I bring to the office for my appointment?
Surgery
When is it determined that surgery is needed for me?
What are the potential risks of surgery?
Will a total joint set off the metal detector at the airport?
When or why do I need antibiotics after a total joint replacement?
What are the anchors made of for my surgery?
What should I do to get ready for surgery?
What if I get sick before my surgery?
Should I see my primary care physician before surgery?
Where does Dr. Arnold operate?
Should I contact the hospital before my surgery?
Should I contact my insurance company before my surgery?
After Surgery
When will I be seen after surgery?
When can I take off my dressings?
Is there anything that I should watch for with my incision?
When can I shower?
What should I know about my postoperative medications?
How long should I use my walker, crutches, or cane?
How long should I use ice?
When can I drive?
Will I need physical therapy and how do I get started?
When can I return to sports?
GENERAL
What should I know about my medicines?
Most medications have potential side effects. It is important that you read literature that accompanies your medications to familiarize yourself with the side effects. In most cases, side effects are rare and if they do occur they will subside after the medication is discontinued. In general, your primary care physician is the best person to monitor you overall general health and prescribe your long-term medications. This will enable them to monitor any changes or potential medication interactions.
How do I get a refill on my medication?
Refills of all medications will only be given Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Refills are not dispensed after hours or on weekends. This is designed to prevent medication errors and allow for proper documentation of medications. All refills may take up to 48 hours to be called in. When you call to request a refill, you should provide your name, birthdate, your pharmacy to be called, and the phone number of that pharmacy. You should also have the exact name and dosage of your medication.
What do I do if I have questions about my bill?
If you have questions about your bill from Dr. Arnold, you should call our office at 479-751-3860 or 1-866-443-5633, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If your billing
questions are concerning a surgery center or third party, you should contact the billing office of that facility.
What should I bring to the office for my appointment?
You should be prepared to answer all questions about your medical history (History, all surgeries, medications, etc). Your appointment will be made much easier if you have you history organized. You should bring ALL diagnostic studies such as CT, MRI, or X-rays that you may have had that relate to your current problem. If you have had any previous orthopaedic surgeries that could pertain to your current problem, you should contact that surgeon's office and have them fax the operative reports to our office. Please have all current insurance information available so that our office can assist you with your claim process. You should also have all forms printed and completed before you arrive for your visit:
Medical Information
History And Physical
Physician Information
SURGERY
When is it determined if surgery is needed for me?
A variety of treatments will be used including rest, medications, injections, and avoiding the activities that are causing the irritation. We will generally always begin with a non-operative protocol. There are however, times where a non-operative treatment may not be successful. Surgery will be recommended when you have failed a non-operative protocol, or if it is felt that you have an injury that will more than likely lead to a more significant problem if not treated in the immediate future. In either case, it is a decision that will be made within your healthcare team.
What are the potential risks of surgery?
Any surgical procedure will involve some risk. It would be impossible to inform you of all the potential complications or risks of a surgical procedure; however, we do want to make you aware of some of the potential risks. Typical complications can include infection, nerve damage, damage to blood vessels, blood clots, recurrence of the problem, the onset of other medical problems, or complications related to anesthesia. Most of these risks are minimal and the chances can vary depending on your particular surgery. Dr. Arnold is aware that these risks exist, and each preoperative process is designed to limit all risks. Therefore, it is important to fulfill all preoperative items. If any problems do occur, it is important to notify Dr. Arnold immediately so that he can work to remedy any problems.
Will my total joint set off a metal detector at the airport?
Total joints are typically made from meal alloys (cobalt-chrome, or titanium), or a ceramic portion. Most involve some type of polyethylene (plastic) as a liner or insert. Occasionally, the metal components may trigger airport security devices. You will be given a card to show that you have an implanted total joint.
When or why do I need antibiotics after my total joint?
You should take antibiotics before and after you have any invasive procedure. This includes dental work. This is for as long as you have the total joint in place, in other words, the rest of your life. Any procedure can potentially release bacteria into your bloodstream; therefore, the antibiotics can assist in preventing infection. You should notify your doctor or dentist of your total joint before any procedure. Dr. Arnold's office can prescribe the antibiotics if you provide at least 24 hours notice before your procedure.
What are the anchors or screws made of for my procedure?
The anchors or screws that are used are typically made of an absorbable material that disappears in several months to several years, and will be filled in with your body's own tissue.
What should I do to get ready for surgery?
You will be given a preoperative checklist specific to your surgery. It is imperative that you complete ALL of the items on that checklist. You should ensure that you do not get any scratches or blemishes on the operative site before your procedure, as any scratches or blemishes could cause your surgery to be post-poned. It may be necessary for you to see you primary medical physician before your procedure. If you have any questions before you procedure then you should call our office. Be sure to read your entire surgery packet in full before your procedure.
What if I get sick before my surgery?
If you feel ill before your surgery please let our office know. We may ask that you see your medical physician for clearance. If you are running a fever, or if you have significant medical reasons then you surgery will be delayed for your safety.
Should I see my primary care physician before my surgery?
If you are having a total joint replacement then yes, you will have to see your primary care physician. If your surgery is scheduled to be outpatient and it is felt to be in your best interest for safety then you may have to see your PCP. In these cases you be told of this need. In either of these cases, we must have a statement from you physician (s) before your surgery. If you do not have a specific PCP, then you will need to choose one that is available to you.
Where does Dr. Arnold operate?
Dr. Arnold operates in a variety of locations. Many times this may be determined by your insurance coverage and the network benefits of your insurance policy. Dr.
Arnold operates in Springdale at the Northwest Medical Center for both inpatient and outpatient cases. He operates at Washington Regional Medical Center in
Fayetteville for inpatient procedures and the North Hills Surgery Center for outpatient procedures. He also operates at the Physician’s Surgery Center in Fayetteville.
Should I contact the hospital before my surgery?
Yes, depending on the facility you may have to participate in a pre-admission process that would require you to go by the facility before your surgery date. Even if you do not have to pre-admit, you should contact the surgery center before your surgery date to ensure that all questions are answered to your satisfaction. There may be a deposit required from the surgery center, therefore be sure that you are aware of all expectations from the surgery center before your surgery date.
Should I contact my insurance carrier before my surgery?
Although our office will take care of all pre-certification procedures that your insurance requires, it is a good idea that you contact your insurance company before your procedure to confirm your benefits and to ensure that all of your questions are answered.
AFTER SURGERY
When will I be seen after surgery?
For all outpatient procedures you will likely be seen by Dr. Arnold's assistant 7-10 after your operation for a wound check. You will then be seen three to four weeks following your procedure by Dr. Arnold. For most operations requiring you to be an inpatient at the hospital, you will follow up approximately three to four weeks after your discharge with Dr. Arnold, although the exact time will depend on your surgical procedure. If you have any questions before your first post-op visit you may call our office. Patients who have undergone Total Joint Replacements will be seen annually for X-rays.
When can I take off my dressings?
You should remove your dressings 48 hours following surgery. You should cover any arthroscopy portal sites with Band-Aids. It is normal for clear or red-tinged fluid to drain from the arthroscopy sites for several days because of the fluid used for the procedure. If you have any incisions that are closed with staples or sutures, then you should keep these sites covered at all times until the sutures/staples are removed. Do not put any antibiotic ointments or lotions on your incisions until they are healed, usually for four weeks after the surgery.
Is there anything that I should watch for with my incision?
If you have increasing redness, or increasing pain at your incision site, or if you have persistent, thick drainage, please call our office immediately. If you begin running a fever of more than 101°, or if you begin having chills please let us know.
When can I shower?
Generally you may shower on the second to third day following all arthroscopic procedures. If you have had an open procedure requiring closure, you must wait until 24 hours after the sutures/staples have been removed before getting the area wet. You should not immerse incisions (i.e. bathtub, pool) for 3-4 weeks following your procedure and then only if all drainage has stopped. Make sure that you have a stable environment for your shower if you have had knee or hip surgery. This would include a shower chair or handle bars for stability and support.
What should I know about my post-operative medications?
You will be given three medicines for after surgery: A narcotic pain medicine, a medicine for nausea, and an antibiotic as a preventative measure. It is important that our office is aware of all your drug allergies before your surgery. Narcotic pain medicine may make you nauseous, lightheaded, or even constipated to name a few side effects. The most important thing is to wean yourself off of your pain medications as soon as you can as your pain allows. Most narcotic pain medications have Tylenol (Acetaminophen) so you should not take extra Tylenol. You may take an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin (Ibuprofen) or Aleve (Naproxen Sodium). You should read all inserts accompanying your medications to have a full understanding of your medicines.
How long should I use my crutches, cane, or walker?
Most procedures will allow you to put full weight on your affected leg the day of your surgery. There are certain procedures that you would need to limit your weight bearing following your surgery and you will be notified accordingly. Crutches should be used for a few days for comfort and you can wean yourself off them. For an ACL reconstruction, although you can put as much weight on your affected leg, you should use your crutches for at least one week.
How long should I use the ice?
Ice is most useful in the first 2-3 days. You should apply the ice for 2-3 hours then take a 30-minute break. After the first three days, use ice as you want to. Many people find it beneficial to use ice longer if necessary. Avoid using heat after surgery.
When can I drive?
This ultimately depends on the type of surgery that you have. In our regards your safety is our most important concern. Your return to driving depends on which side your surgery was on, your comfort level post operatively, and if your are still requiring narcotic pain medications. You should not drive until your physician clears you. From a knee scope, it could be up to three to four weeks before you drive if your surgery was on the right knee. For a joint replacement it could be several months before you could comfortably drive.
Will I need Physical Therapy and how do I get started?
Your procedure may require you to participate in a formal physical therapy program. We understand that there are some occasions where a busy schedule may not permit you to see a therapist on a regular basis. If it were felt that therapy would benefit you, then you would be set up with the appropriate therapy on you first post-operative visit. Even if you are felt to be a good candidate for a home exercise program, an initial visit with a therapist may facilitate your understanding of the exercises.
When can I return to sports?
Returning to your activities is an individual process and depends on your specific rehab, your injury or your particular surgery. Dr. Arnold will speak to you as to an expected return time frame.
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