One of the most common causes of chronic pain is knee pain and knee arthritis is among one of the causes of knee pain. Trying to relieve knee pain with non-operative treatments if the first step. This is done primarily with using anti-inflammatory medications, modifications in your activity, ambulatory aids, and injections. The staff at Outpatient Services East will work with you in order to help you avoid surgery if at all possible.  If it is deemed that all non-surgical treatments have failed to give you adequate relief you may have to consider knee replacement. The healthcare professionals at Outpatient Services East will advise you in making the difficult decision as to when the only answer is surgery. Remember that joint lubrication injections are a treatment to help relieve the symptoms of knee arthritis and hopefully delay the need for knee replacement surgery.

What is the first step?

Joint lubricant shots are typically administered as a series of three injections into the knee joint, each injection spaced about one week apart. Sometimes a larger dose of these medications can be administered in a single injection. You and your doctor will decide what is best for you. By injecting medication into the knee joint hopefully it will lubricate the joint relieving most or all of the pain. Some of the medication used may also have anti-inflammatory properties. If so it may help protect remaining cartilage in the joint.

Will it help?

Numerous studies have investigated the effectiveness of injections  as a treatment for knee arthritis. Studies have ranged in their results from no benefit when compared to placebo injections, to mild improvement in symptoms. Some people may not think it is worth the try but you and your doctor may feel it is in order to delay surgery.

We have talked about knee pain but are aware that many people have chronic pain in their backs, shoulders, elbows, or other joints in their bodies. If you suffer from chronic pain and want the best help available in managing this pain we encourage you to seek help at Outpatient Services East. Many people have and are very pleased with the results. The doctor will work with you in all possible ways to reduce your pain while striving to avoid surgery.

Let’s face it. No matter where you are having chronic pain if your body hurts you cannot function to your best ability in whatever you need to do. So if your pain is so severe you are not at your best we encourage you to get in touch with Outpatient Services East. They have been able to help many people just like you. Do not go another day without calling them to see if you can get the relief and help you need.

The post Do You Have Chronic Pain? appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.

If you have worked with your doctor and all treatments have failed you may need surgery. The position of the toe may have become so painful you just want something done to straighten your toe. After all the deformity makes walking difficult. The skin may break down due to the position of the toe. If this happens there is a risk of bone infection. If you are having any of these problems with your hammer toe ask your doctor to set you up with a surgeon at Outpatient Services East. The staff there take great pride in seeing that every patient who has a procedure done at their facility is given the best care possible.

As with all surgeries that require anesthesia you will need to talk to your doctor about all medications you are taking as some of them need to be left off for up to a week before the procedure is done. You will need to have someone to drive you to and from the facility and plan to stay with you at least 24 hours.

Your surgeon will discuss with you the options he/she will be using for the procedure. Depending on your needs the corrections may be made with changes to the soft tissue or it may be necessary to make changes to the bone or joint.

If the soft tissue method is used a cut is made in the skin and the tendon is released. The tendon may be reattached to a different area of the bone. Usually the changes in the soft tissue allows the toe to relax and the deformity is eliminated.

The bone method may be needed.  Your surgeon may have to use joint arthroplasty or joint fusion or a combination of both. In both methods a cut is made in the skin over the toe joint. During the arthroplasty part of the bones on both sides of the middle toe joint may have to be removed in order for the toe to uncurl. If the fusion method is used the ends of the toe bones are removed. Then the bones are repositioned. A pin may be placed within the bone but will be removed at a later date. The incision will require stitches. Dressings will be applied to hold the toe in proper position.

As this surgery is almost always done as a same day surgery you know all your needs will be meet while you are at the facility.  However, once  you get home be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. The corrected toe may be a little longer or shorter than it was before the surgery. The toe will not move as much a your other toes. Do not be concerned if there is some swelling and redness. This may last for a few months.

Expect to use crutches or wear a special open toed, wooden soled shoe for as long as your surgeon tells you to do so.

Call Outpatient Services East if you have any question about your upcoming hammer toe correction.  Phone:  205-838-3888

The post Hammer Toe Correction appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.

Speak Up: Right ID, Right Care

When you’re in the hospital, nurses are supposed to use “patient identifiers.” This ensures the right patient gets the right kind of care, in the right place, and at the right time. This may include asking your name, birthday, and maybe even your phone number – or, checking your wristband.

Hospitals are busy places. There may be other patients who look like you or have similar names. Make sure you are being identified correctly. If you are concerned, always Speak UP!

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwc3R5bGUlM0QlMjJ0ZXh0LWFsaWduJTNBJTIwY2VudGVyJTNCJTIyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZwbGF5ZXIudmltZW8uY29tJTJGdmlkZW8lMkYxNjQ2MzQyNzElMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjY0MCUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjM2MCUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMHdlYmtpdGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUyMG1vemFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUwQQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_single_image image=”3628″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]

Speak Up: Help Prevent Errors in Your Care

See the first in a series of new animated Speak Up™ videos that encourage patients to speak up and be active participants in their health care. Like the other Speak Up materials, the videos are free and can be used by accredited organizations and other interested stakeholders that want to promote the Speak Up message.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwc3R5bGUlM0QlMjJ0ZXh0LWFsaWduJTNBJTIwY2VudGVyJTNCJTIyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZwbGF5ZXIudmltZW8uY29tJTJGdmlkZW8lMkYxMzYxNDQ3MjklMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjY0MCUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjM2MCUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMHdlYmtpdGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUyMG1vemFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]

Everyone has a role in making health care safe.  That includes doctors, health care executives, nurses and many health care technicians.  Health care organizations all across the country are working to make health care safe.  As a patient, you can make your care safer by being an active, involved and informed member of your health care team.

View English Brochure

View Spanish Brochure

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]

Speak Up: Help Prevent Medical Test Mistakes

Medical tests and laboratory tests are important aids for doctors. However, sometimes the wrong test is ordered. Or the test results can be misunderstood.

View English Brochure

View Spanish Brochure

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Preventing Medical Errors appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.

Heading into a consultation or even surgery with the proper preparation can make all the difference your ease of mind and the beginning of your recovery. If the injury does get to the point of needing surgery, we have a few pieces of advice for your time propping your feet up:

•  Wear shoes and pants that can account for the coverage and mobility of your post-surgery wound dressing. Your mobile foot should sport a shoe that has good traction and support, and your pants should be loose enough to fit around a cast or brace.

• Bring your homework; If you’ve visited other specialists and have notes or x-rays from them, or if you’ve completed your medical questionnaire and insurance forms beforehand to save you time in the waiting room, be sure to bring them the day of surgery. Also helpful would be a brief timeline of your injury–when you noticed it, when you began treatments, etc. And be sure to write down any questions you might have for us!

• Don’t stop moving! Give yourself some serious recovery days post-surgery, but don’t stop working the other muscles of your body, and eating well. This can make such a difference in preventing muscle loss, cabin fever, and other health concerns that can stem from developing bad habits from immobility after an injury.

An elderly patient came in one day, and when asked if he sustained his injury through sports, promptly shook his head and informed us: “God only gave my knees, so many steps – why would I use ‘em up early on by running?”

With modern medicine, we can fix most aches and injuries through surgery and physical therapy, especially if you happen to run out of steps in those knees and feet. But the complications in foot injuries stem from the high volume of bones and the innate desire to keep moving. Although we like to mosey down South, life has become a bit faster paced in the technology age, so it can be difficult to find the time or desire to sit down. Let us help you recover that spring in your step: visit OSE for consultation today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Best Foot Forward appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.

There are a few things you need to know before you pre-register. For example if custody or guardianship of a patient has been awarded by a court of law, court papers must be presented prior to surgery.

It is not the law but it is a good practice to have an “Advance Directives” drawn up before you have surgery of any type. Advance Directives are documents that clearly state your choices for health care. By having Advance Directives you are making known your wishes regarding the medical care you do or do not want to receive if you become too sick to speak for yourself. This, not only makes your wishes known, it takes the burden of making the decisions off your love one during a time that is already hard for them.

Please note that procedures done in an ambulatory care setting such as OPSE are performed to enhance or improve the patient’s quality of life. It is their policy that if you suffer a cardiac or respiratory arrest or other life-threatening situation, resuscitative measures will be initiated and you will be transferred to a hospital. The decision for further treatments or withdrawal of treatment measures will be exercised at the hospital in accordance with your Advance Directive.

If you present an Advance Directive to OPSE at the time of your admission, a copy will be made and become a part of your medical record and will be transferred with you should you have to be moved to a hospital for a higher level of care. If you disagree with this policy please discuss it with your physician prior to your procedure. It is the desire of OPSE to handle every issue as the patient wishes when possible.

You can find printable forms that you may need when you visit our web site. Some are listed below:

Important Federal Information Related To Your Surgery

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Advance Directive Brochure

Brochure with Advance Directive Form

Patient Infection Control Brochure

Patient Safe Surgery Brochure

If you chose to pre-register online please register ONLY if you are within 30 days of your surgery or procedure. Be sure you enter a valid email address to receive an emailed confirmation of registration. Double check to ensure you furnished all required information. If a required item is left blank the space will be flagged with red. Without all required information the form will not submit and your registration will not be completed.

As stated before, Outpatient Services East wants to make your time with us as smooth and easy as possible. They look forward to helping you any way they can. Not only does the staff want to see that you have the medical care possible they want the entire experience to be the very best.

Contact OPSE by phone: 205-838-3888 or visit us online at www.osesurg.com.

The post Pre-Registration appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.

Please know that if the preoperative instructions are not followed your procedure may have to be cancelled. Your health and wellbeing is of utmost importance to our staff. The entire group is very concerned about your welfare.

Below are some of the things you will need to do to prepare for your procedure or surgery. Note that there may be other thing your doctor instructs you to do or not to do.

Do Not

• Eat or drink or smoke anything (including candy, mints or gum) after midnight the evening before your procedure unless your physician has otherwise instructed you.

Do

(Some procedures require a bowel prep.  Please read and follow all instructions regarding this prep and refer all questions to your physician’s office prior to the day before your procedure.)

1.  Bring a list of all medications you are using. This includes any over the counter, herbal, creams, etc.

2. Bring a list of any thing you are allergic

3. Have a copy of custody papers, power of attorney, or any other type papers that involve the patient. Bring a copy of your insurance card and a picture ID such as your driver’s license.

4. Check with your physician about taking your heart, breathing (asthma), seizure, gastric reflux, high blood pressure medicine or any long term pain control medicine you take on a daily basis with a small sip of water the morning of your procedure.

5. REMOVE ALL jewelry including anklets and toe rings before coming to the facility. (This includes all body piercing jewelry)

6. Bathe or shower the morning of surgery and brush your teeth. Your doctor may have you bath the night before and the morning of your surgery using antibacterial soap.

7. Wear loose, comfortable clothing as some procedures require removal of all clothing including underwear

8. Wear your glasses or bring a case and solution for storing any contact lens.

9. Bring a favorite toy or blanket for younger patients.

10. Bring a responsible adult to be with you and to drive you home. Verification of a responsible adult will be made prior to your being admitted to the surgery center.  If responsible adult verification cannot be made, your procedure will be cancelled.

11. Notify your doctor if you take Coumadin, Plavix or any other blood thinner

12. Notify your doctor and our staff if you have an insulin pump. Your doctor will determine if and when it needs to be disconnected. Please bring any supplies necessary to reconnect the pump.

13. Notify your doctor and our staff if you have any internal or external devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators.

14. Notify your doctor and our staff IMMEDIATELY if you suspect you are pregnant.

15. Notify your doctor and our staff of any changes in your health, even minor changes such as a cold or fever.

IF YOU ARE LATE or cannot keep your appointment, please notify us by calling 205-838-3888.

If the staff at Outpatient Services East can help you in any way please call them at 205-838-3888.

Visit them at www.osesurg.com.

The post Preoperative Instruction appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.

The day before your scheduled procedure at Outpatient Services East you will be given the time for your arrival to the facility. It is important for you to keep your arrival time. our The amount of time you have to wait prior to your procedure depends on several things: patient bed availability, the schedule for operating rooms and/or your physician. The staff at Outpatient Services East strive to keep your waiting time to a minimum but some delays are unavoidable.

Length of Stay

You and your caregiver need to plan to be at the facility for a minimum of 4 hours. The length of stay can vary from person to person.

Preparation

After you are placed in your room a staff member will give you instructions on what clothing you need to remove.  You will be given a gown to wear.  If you are wearing  dentures or contacts lens they will need to be removed at this time.

If your procedure requires anesthesia, you will meet an anesthesiologist who will review your history, answer your questions and discuss the anesthesia plan. Feel free to ask you may have. Your caregiver is permitted to sit with you during the preparation time if you so desire. He/she is encouraged to ask questions too.

The nurse who will be assisting your physician will take you to the operating or procedure suite. Each operating or procedure room is fully equipped and staffed to handle your procedure and any possible complications.

After Your Procedure

When your procedure is over you will be taken to recovery where you will be closely observed by the nursing staff. The length of your procedure and recovery stay depends on the type of procedure and anesthesia you were given. Each patient’s response may vary. You may be discharged home from recovery. However, some procedures are more extensive and each patient’s response is different so you may be returned to your admission room to continue recovery. You will be served cold liquid refreshments. Do not worry if you still feel sleepy when you are discharged.

Prior to discharge from the center, a nurse will explain your discharge instructions to you and your caregiver. Following these instructions is important for a safe and expeditious recovery.

Following Your Procedure

• You must be accompanied and driven home by an adult.
• Please plan to have someone with you for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• Take all medications as directed.
• Utilize your pharmacist for further information about prescriptions.
• If you are taking an antibiotic, finish the entire prescription as directed by your physician.
• Resume your home medications as instructed by your physician.
• Most pain medications are better tolerated with food.

Someone from Outpatient Services East usually calls you within 24 to 72 hours of your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns before they call please call y If you have any questions or concerns please call your physician. Also, remember to make an appointment for a follow-up visit with your physician.

Feel free to call Outpatient Services East if you have any questions about what to expect on the day of your procedure.

205-838-3888

www.osesurg.com

The post Day of Procedure appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.

With the new advances in technology, anesthesia methods, and how pain is managed, many surgeries are now able to be done as outpatient. Over the past three decades outpatient surgery has become a popular choice for many patients. The staff at Outpatient Services East is abreast of these advances and is there to give you the best possible care.

The type of surgical procedure, anesthesia, and the patient’s medical history will determine how long they will stay at the outpatient facility. Your stay may be a few hours up to twenty three hours. You will be monitored and may need to demonstrate a few simple tasks before you are allowed to go home. You may be asked to drink some fluids and eat some food without getting sick to your stomach. In some cases, it will be important that you are able to pass urine as well.

You will be required to bring a responsible adult with you the day of your surgery. As you will be given anesthesia you will not be able to drive for 24 hours. It is a good plan to have someone with you that can stay with you for at least 24 hours. He/she will need to stay during your surgery and be there for the doctor to the results with as you may not be fully awake for a few hours.

Space is limited so we ask that you have no more than two people with you. We ask that no children be brought with you and that no one comes with you who may be sick. There is no place for food to be prepared at Outpatient Services East but vending machines are available if your caregiver and visitor need food or drink.

Below is a list of some of the services you can receive at Outpatient Services East:

• GENERAL SURGERY
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, removal of cysts, lesions, hernia repairs, gall bladder removal, biopsies, hemorrhoid surgery, to name a few.

• GYNECOLOGY
D&C, Hysteroscopy, Laparoscopy, Laser Laparoscopy, Vaginal Hysterectomy,  Tubal Ligations, endometrial ablations and other diagnostic and surgical procedures.

• ORTHOPEDICS
Arthroscopy, Ligament Repair, Carpal Tunnel Release, Hand Surgery, Bone Biopsies, treatment of fractures, Shoulder Surgery, Bunionectomy, Hammertoe correction are some of the most common surgeries.

• PLASTIC SURGERY
Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction, Face Lifts, Skin grafts, lesion removals, Blepharoplasty and scar revisions to name a few.

• EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SURGERY
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy, Ear tube insertions, Tympanoplasty, Laryngoscope, Septoplasty, Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, LAUP (snoring procedure) and others.

• I ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES
Upper Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Dilatations,  Ablation of Hemorrhoids and Biopsies.

• EYE SURGERY
Cataract removal, Laser surgery, Eye muscle surgery, Blepharoplasty, and removal of foreign bodies from the eye are procedures commonly performed by Ophthalmologists.

• UROLOGIC SURGERY
Cystoscopy, biopsies, Vasectomy, Hydrocele repairs, Circumcision, and Stone retrieval are a few.

• DENTISTRY
Oral and maxillofacial surgery.

• NEUROLOGIC SURGERY
Nerve surgery of the hand and arm.

• PAIN MANAGEMENT
Injections to help people with chronic pain.

We would like you to consider us for your same day surgery needs. You can view us at www.osesurg.com or call 205-838-3888 for more information.

The post Outpatient Services East appeared first on OSE Surgery Center.