Frequently Asked Questions
Before making an appointment to see Mr Edwards, you will need a referral letter from either a specialist or your GP.
When attending your appointment, please bring any scans and reports related to your condition. Your consultation may be postponed if you do not bring this information.
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your consultation time to ensure you have time to complete the required paperwork.
Please read the following information carefully as it is essential.
• Hospitals require early admission of patients for surgery. The order of each list and timing of surgery is determined by surgical requirements.
• Due to external factors related to hospital logistics, your exact admission time is subject to late changes and will be relayed to you 24 hours before your surgery at the latest.
• On the day of surgery DO NOT arrange any other appointments or errands – allow plenty of time.
• You must fast (have nothing to eat or drink) from eight hours before your admission time.
• ALL SCANS including x-ray, CT, Bone SCAN, Ultrasound and MRI you have at home should be brought to hospital on the day of admission.
• The Epworth Patient Information form is to be completed online via www.epworth.org.au/patientadmissions prior to your admission. Please complete all information and if you are unsure of any questions please leave blank. Please note the office will inform the hospital of the item numbers for your procedure and your length of stay.
• IF YOU ARE HAVING DAY SURGERY you will be able to leave the hospital four to six hours after your operation. You must have someone to pick you up from the hospital, you cannot take yourself home. It is advisable that the person taking you home contact the hospital on the day to see what time you will be able to leave. Please ensure to wear loose clothing (e.g. Tracksuit pants, shorts, skirt).
• Prior to surgery you will need to ensure that all nail polish gel and acrylic nails (This includes hands and feet) are removed. Also DO NOT shave operative limb or get a manicure and pedicure a week prior to surgery.
• You must take a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) 24 hours prior to surgery and isolate until you present at the hospital.
• Please note that Mr Edwards performs emergency surgeries that cannot be reasonably delayed. While we do everything we can to prevent it, there may occasions where your case will need to be rescheduled. In this scenario your surgery will be moved to the closest available date.
Mr Edwards will see you before your operation in the pre-operative area.
You should organise crutches or a frame before your operation. A shower chair may also be useful. These can be obtained through places such as your local chemist, or may be arranged whilst you are an inpatient.
Your leg will need to be elevated at all times in the initial post-operative period. You will need at least three pillows or a small beanbag.
Leave all dressings intact.
Rest in bed with the limb elevated to the level of your nose for 23 and three quarter hours a day until review. This will assist in wound healing, pain relief and minimise swelling.
You will have a post operative appointment booked in Mr Edward’s rooms 7-10 days post surgery to assess the wound. Further rehabilitation and physiotherapy instructions will be given to you then.
Typical recovery times:
• 2-4 months to be good
• 12-18 months for complete recovery
Swelling, sensitivity and numbness is normal for the first 2-6 months and can take up to two years to fully settle.
You will require at least two weeks off work.
Depending on both your procedure and your occupation you may require up to three months off work.
You will receive a work certificate on the day of your operation.
If you need any further certificates, please contact the rooms.
You may not drive until after your first post-operative visit (7-10 days).
Dependent on your surgery, this time can range between 2 weeks and 3-4 months.
Once your wounds have healed, you should be able to fly.
However, keep in mind that you have an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis within the first three months of having surgery.
Once your wounds have healed, low impact exercise can begin. You will usually have to wait 6-8 weeks for higher impact activities.