Pre/Post Operative Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the preoperative and postoperative care. This is not an exhaustive list and each patient's situation is unique so these answers are intended as general guidelines. Please be sure to ask Dr. Kimball for any clarification or any other questions you have that are not included below.
What kind of surgery does Dr. Kimball perform?
I perform both minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery as well as open (large incision) surgery on the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle.
Will my surgery be done minimally invasive arthroscopic or open with a large incision?
I use as minimally invasive surgery approach as possible to complete your surgery safely and effectively to give you both the best outcome, the most cosmetically pleasing, and the quickest recovery as possible. Whether your surgery is done using minimally invasive artrhoscopic techniques or as an open procedure will depend largely on the type of procedure being performed. Check out the "Services" webpage for a sample list of procedures that are performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques
How will my pain be controlled after surgery?
Immediately following surgery, your pain will be controlled using IV pain medication. If you are admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay, one of the goals of your care will be to transition you from IV pain medication to oral pain medication. This is often achieved by day 1 after surgery. Whether you are admitted to the hospital or your surgery is done as an outpatient procedure where you go home the same day, you will be sent home with a prescription for oral pain medication to be filled at your local pharmacy. The most prescribed post-operative pain medications are oxycodone and tramadol. Most patients will require regularly shceduled doses of pain medication for the first 2-4 days. By the end of the first week most patients will be able to taper off of narcotics completely and Tylenol and ice therapy are often all that is needed to manage pain. You may still need pain medication at. night for sleep or prior to physical therapy.
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Following week 1-2, you will begin to decrease your pain medication use to prior to physical therapy and prior to bedtime. Most patients will not require any pain medication past 4-6 weeks.
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Please track your pain medication supply closely. For pain medication refills, you will need to come to the office for a face-to-face, in person appointment. Please plan accordingly. You will be seen at regularly scheduled intervals during your postop period to ensure your pain is adequately controlled and that you have an appropriate supply of pain medication.
When will I follow up with Dr. Kimball after surgery?
Your first post-operative visit will take place 2-3 weeks after your surgery. This appointment is critical for checking your incision healing and range of motion and ot answer any questions you may have in the first few weeks following surgery. You will then follow up 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. This follow-up schedule may vary based on patient specific factors.
More Q&A Coming soon!
Coming soon!
