PATIENT INFORMATION

 Be prepared to make the most of your visit! Here’s what you need to bring and expect:
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 Medical Records & Imaging – Bring any MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays related to your condition.

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Insurance & ID – Have your documents ready for a smooth check-in.

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Medication List – Bring a list of all current medications & supplements.

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 List of Symptoms & Questions – Write down your pain levels, numbness, weakness, or other issues.

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Family or Friend for Support – A second set of ears helps!

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Implanted Device Card(s) - Pacemaker, Spinal Cord Stimulator, Bladder Stimulator, Pain Pump

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Bonus Tip: Arrive a little early to complete paperwork & ease into your visit.

Your neurosurgeon is here to help—let’s get you on the path to relief!

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General Surgery Instructions

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Surgeon: Dr. Gautam Gandhi, MD, PhD

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Follow-Up Appointment: Typically scheduled ~2 weeks post-op at Little Rock, Conway, or Hot Springs

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A staff member from the surgery facility will call you a few days before your procedure to provide your exact arrival time and go over a brief preoperative questionnaire.

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Surgery Locations

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Baptist Health Medical Center – Conway
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11555 Exchange Ave, Conway, AR 72032

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(501) 585-2000

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Dave Ward Surgery Center
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2425 Dave Ward Dr, Suite 304, Conway, AR 72034

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(501) 764-4373

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M-Th: 8 AM - 5PM

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Arkansas Surgical Hospital (ASH)
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5201 Northshore Dr #100, North Little Rock, AR 72118

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(501) 748-8000

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Pre-Surgery Checklist

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Watch Your Surgery Video

Visit www.pinnaclespine.com for educational videos about your procedure.

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Pre-Op Testing

If you did not complete these tests on the day your surgery was scheduled, please ensure they are done prior to surgery.

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Recommended Facilities
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Baptist Conway – 1555 Exchange Ave, Conway, AR

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Baptist Little Rock – 9601 Baptist Health Dr, Little Rock, AR

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Baptist Urgent Care Hot Springs – 3426 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR

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Medical Clearance

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We will fax clearance requests to your physician(s) shortly after you are scheduled for surgery.

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You may be contacted to assist in obtaining clearance letters to ensure we receive them in time.

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All clearances must be received prior to surgery to avoid delays or rescheduling.

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Paperwork

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If you are submitting Short-Term Disability or FMLA paperwork:
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Complete all patient sections, including personal info, employer details,

requested leave dates, and signatures.

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Incomplete forms may delay processing and be returned for correction.

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We do not complete short-term disability, long-term disability, Social Security disability,  or any other disability-related forms. We will, however, continue to complete FMLA paperwork for patients undergoing surgery with Dr. Gandhi. Fax completed forms to (501) 232-3409. Please allow 5–7 business days for processing.

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7–10 Days Before Surgery

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STOP the following unless otherwise instructed:
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Blood Thinners

Coumadin, Xarelto, Plavix, Eliquis, Effient, Aggrenox, etc.

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Anti-Inflammatories

Advil, Aleve, Naproxen, Meloxicam (Mobic), Celebrex, Excedrin, Motrin, etc.

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GLP-1 Inhibitors

(Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza, etc.)

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Weekly dosing: Stop 7 days before surgery

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Daily dosing: Do not take the day before surgery or the day of surgery

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Other Medications to Stop Before Surgery

Viagra or Cialis – Stop 2 days before surgery (may interfere with anesthesia)

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Night Before Surgery

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No food, drinks, smoking, or gum after midnight

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Take only approved medications with a small sip of water

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Day of Surgery

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Arrive at the time given by the staff from the surgery facility. Bring:
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A list of current medications and how often you take them

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A list of any medication allergies

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Notify us of latex or iodine allergies

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A responsible adult to drive you home

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Failure to follow these instructions may result in surgery cancellation.
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After Surgery

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Incision Care
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You may remove the dressing unless instructed otherwise

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Wash hands before touching your incision

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Shower 48 hours post-op unless instructed otherwise

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Let water run over the incision—do not scrub

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Do not soak in tubs or pools until the incision is fully healed

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No ointments, creams, or ice/heating pads directly on the incision

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Monitor for infection signs
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Fever ≥ 101°F

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Redness, warmth, or swelling around incision

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Drainage that is white, yellow, foul-smelling, or purulent

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Activity
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No driving for 2 weeks or while taking narcotics/muscle relaxants

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No lifting & 10 lbs

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SI joint fusion: remain non-weight bearing for 1 week

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Light walking encouraged; avoid bending, twisting, or heavy chores

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Wear your neck brace as directed if one is prescribed

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Return to work only when cleared

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Resume sexual activity when comfortable (typically 2–4 weeks)

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Avoid for the first 24 hours or while on narcotics:
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Alcohol

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Driving or machinery

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Major decisions or signing documents

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Being home or caring for children alone

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Pain & Medications
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Take prescriptions as directed

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Tylenol may be taken in between doses (max 4,000 mg/day total)

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Avoid NSAIDs for 3 months after fusion surgeries

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You may receive Naloxone (Narcan)  with your prescription as required by

Arkansas law

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Diet
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Start with clear liquids; slowly reintroduce soft foods

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Recommended: soups, smoothies, yogurt, soft fruits, cooked vegetables

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Avoid hard, chewy foods for 1–3 days

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Chew thoroughly to reduce risk of swallowing difficulties

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What to Expect vs. When to Call
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Normal:
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Mild soreness or redness

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Pink/straw-colored drainage

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Sore throat or swallowing discomfort

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Neck or shoulder soreness

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Call Us If:
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Fever ≥ 101°F

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Severe pain or new weakness

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Inability to urinate

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Excessive or purulent drainage

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Any other concerning symptoms

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Contact Info

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Clinic Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

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(501) 234-0600

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(501) 232-3409

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After-Hours Emergency Line: (501) 214-6654

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Bone Growth Stimulator

(Fusion Surgery Patient Only)

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You may receive a follow-up call regarding a bone growth stimulator if your surgery qualifies. This device can promote bone healing and may be covered by insurance. The representative will review your coverage and delivery details.

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Thank you for following these guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe surgical experience.


We look forward to caring for you!