Patient Journey

Dr. Frisch and his dedicated staff will:

• Request detailed information about your symptoms
• Take a medical history of your current and past ailments
• Perform a thorough physical examination.
• Review any pertinent imaging
• Discuss all options for treatment ranging from conservative to surgical management as appropriate

Ask Questions

It’s not uncommon to have questions or doubts, which we will encourage you to clarify before you leave the clinic.

Certain diagnostic tests such as blood tests or imaging tests may be ordered to confirm your diagnosis. Dr. Frisch and his staff will take time to explain the options for the possible treatments.

Diagnosis and Recommendations

After reviewing any diagnostic results, Dr. Frisch will recommend appropriate treatment options.

What is Next

Our staff will go through the details of costs and logistics with you.

Dr. Frisch and his team wil provide you with all the information that you would need to make informed decisions about managing your health. If you still have questions when you leave the office, please do not hesitate to contact us, we are always here to help.

Preparing for Surgery & Procedure.

At all times, your treatment plan will be discussed with you and you will remain in control of your treatment. The best possible treatment will be offered to you and all the aspects involved will be discussed and any questions answered. You can bring a family member or friend along to your consultations as a support person.

Depending on the type of surgery you are having, you may be discharged on the day of surgery or admitted to the hospital. For those patients admitted to the hospital, you will begin rehabilitation immediately following surgery. Whether you have a routine partial joint replacement or a complex revision procedure, our dedicated staff will work to ensure appropriate education and instruction while you remain in the hospital.

Dr. Frisch and his team believe strongly in a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare. This means that they work hand-in-hand with the medical doctors, therapists, nurses and support staff to ensure the highest level of quality and service during your stay.

Important areas for consideration:

• Pain control
• Weight bearing status (Full weight bearing as tolerated, partial weight bearing, toe-touch weight bearing, non-weight bearing)
• Assist device (i.e. walker, cane, etc) as needed
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Deep venous thrombus (DVT or Blood clot) prevention
• Medical management of any pre-existing condition
• Discharge planning

These represent some of the typical categories we work with you on during your stay. Our goal is to provide you with the maximum attention you require to get you home safely.

The nursing and support staff at the hospital is outstanding and should be able to answer most questions should they come up. Our office is attached to the hospital and should you have any concerns or questions that remain unanswered during your stay please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

Apart from the specific instructions given to you depending on the type of surgery you have undergone, the basic general instructions that you should follow after your surgery are as follows:

1. Take pain relieving and other medications as advised. Pain relieving medication should be taken with food.
2. Do not drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, operate any machinery or sign a legal document for the first 24 hours after the surgery as the effect of the sedative and/ or the aesthesia administered during the surgery may last for the first 24 hours of the surgery.
3. Use ice packs or cooling devices to control swelling. However, make sure that the ice bag does not leak into the dressing. Ice packs can be used liberally for the first 48 hours and even later, if required. Do not place directly on the skin and follow instructions if using a commercially available cooling product.
4. Follow the specific restriction of activity, as advised. Remember that it is easier to prevent developing pain rather than managing it once it has already developed.
5. Keep the dressing clean and dry to promote wound healing. Newer surgical dressings may be water proof and allow showers after surgery. Please do not take baths or submerge the dressing in water at any time.
6. Therapy begins immediately after surgery in most cases Exercises in the first week are usually aimed at regaining joint motion. Strengthening exercises are initiated later. Regular exercises are critical for a successful outcome.
7. Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks.
8. Schedule your follow up appointment with your doctor as advised.

Please consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Increased drainage from the incision
• Increased redness around the operated area
• Increased swelling that does not decrease with ice and elevation
• Foul odor
• Fever greater than 101°F
• Coldness, numbness or blanched white or bluish color of the fingers or toes
• Sudden calf pain or shortness of breath
• Chest pain

In the event of an emergency dial 911.

In the event of a concerning post-operative complication, please contact us immediately for prompt support. Most concerns can be appropriately addressed by our team and we will make every effort to be available to you in a timely fashion. Avoid going to the Emergency Department for surgical issues unless necessary, or unless instructed by our team.

At each follow up visit, please keep your doctor informed of your recovery/progress and contact your doctor for any health concerns you have in between visits. Please call the office to make appointments for your visits.

Various follow-up visits may include:

• Routine 3-week post-operative review appointment
• On-going 3/6/12 monthly reviews for monitoring