FAQ's

Here are some frequently asked questions; if you continue to have questions after reading through these, please call our office.

I've met with Dr. McClung and we've decided that the best option for me to get better is surgery, now what?

Our surgery scheduler will be in touch with you within 1-2 days to discuss when your surgery can most appropriately be scheduled. Dr. McClung operates at our outpatient surgery center on Thursdays. If your procedure needs to be done at a hospital, we will schedule it when it's most convenient.

What do I need to do prior to surgery?

You will need to see your primary care physician or an urgent care physician prior to surgery to for a comprehensive physical exam to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia. We will also require you to get some lab work and possibly and EKG before surgery. This must be done within 30 days of surgery and NO LATER than the Friday prior to your surgery. This allows appropriate time for Dr. McClung and an anesthesiologist to review your preoperative testing and resolve any issues without having to postpone your surgery. If you fail to get this done in a timely manner, we may have postpone your surgery for the following week.

The forms you need to take to your physician are HERE (insert link to forms). Your physician will fax them to our office.

If you see a specialist (eg. Cardiologist) we will also need clearance from them.

Can I take all my medications before surgery?

I take other medications for my diabetes, high blood pressure or for my heart, do I take those on the day of surgery?

One of our preoperative nurses will be in touch with you prior to surgery to go over your medication list with you and instruct you on which medications to take and which ones to hold off on. Generally you should not take any diabetic medications on the day of surgery unless instructed to do so by your primary care physician. Most blood pressure medications, beta blockers and anti-seizure medications are ok to take on the morning of surgery. If you have any questions regarding your specific medications please contact our office or ask the preoperative nurse that will be contacting you.

Where is my surgery going to be at?

Most of our surgeries are done at our ambulatory surgery center and are done outpatient. If your insurance or anesthesia determines that it must be done at a hospital, we will schedule you at either Christ Hospital or Good Samaritan. (can you insert links to a map to each hospital and our surgery center)

What time is my surgery?

The exact time of your surgery will be determined 1-2 days in advance. One of our nurses will contact you with a time to arrive. You will be asked to arrive 2 hours prior to your surgery time.

Can I drive myself to surgery?

You must have a responsible adult accompany you on the day of surgery. This person, with your approval, will speak to Dr. McClung after surgery and will be responsible for getting you home safely. You may require assistance at home for several days after your procedure.

When will I start physical therapy?

Depending on the surgery that you are having done, you may start within 1-2 days post operatively. Sometimes Dr. McClung or his PA, Erinn will see you in the office one day post operatively in order to determine when your physical therapy will start.

I can't sleep at night, what can I do to help me get a good night sleep?

Its not uncommon to have trouble sleeping for the first few nights post operatively. If you've had shoulder surgery, try sleeping in a recliner or propping yourself up with a couple of pillows in bed. It's best to sleep at a 45 degree angle for the first few nights.

When can I drive?

You can drive after surgery once you are off pain medication. Typically patients don't drive for 1-2 weeks after surgery. If you've had surgery on your right leg or if you have a manual transmission, you must be cleared by Dr. McClung to drive.

When can I take these white socks off?

Once you are up and moving around pretty regularly (at least once every 1-2 hours with the exception of sleeping) you can remove the stockings. The stockings help reduce swelling and help circulation to prevent blood clots.

Can I shower yet?

You can shower with help within a day or two of surgery. If you are to be non weightbearing on one of your legs, you must keep your weight off that leg for your shower. Sometimes a plastic lawn chair in the shower or a shower chair can be helpful. Be sure to cover your incision with a waterproof bandage and change it once you're done.

When can I go swimming/take a bath/go in a lake/go in my hot tub?

Your incision must be completely closed before you get in water. If you've had an arthroscopic procedure, this is usually about 2-3 weeks. If you've had an open procedure, this can be longer.

How much time will I need off work?

If you're having shoulder surgery, this can vary considerably. If you have a desk job, sometimes you can return within a week. If your job requires manual labor, it can be 4-6 months before you are back at work.
If you're having knee surgery, there is some variability with returning back to work. If you do manual labor or spend most of your day on your feet, as long as your surgery doesn't require you to be non weightbearing, you may need 2-3 weeks off work. If you mostly sit at a desk, you can sometimes return to work within a week.