Preparing for Surgery
The weeks before, the day of, and the first days at home.
Do I need to arrange a ride home?
Yes. You will not be allowed to drive after anesthesia, so a ride home must be arranged before the day of surgery.
Most patients who have arthroscopic surgery (a procedure that uses a small camera and thin instruments through small incisions) go home the same day, so someone needs to be ready to pick you up and stay with you for the first 24 hours. This is true whether the procedure is on the shoulder, hip, or knee.
What should I arrange at home before surgery?
Set up a recovery space before you leave for the hospital, not after you get home.
Have a chair or bed within easy reach that does not require stairs, ice packs or a cold therapy wrap ready, pillows for elevating the arm or leg, and meals prepared or easy to reach for the first few days. If your procedure involves the shoulder or hip, ask ahead of time whether you will need help with dressing or bathing, since reach and weight bearing may be limited at first.
What should I bring on the day of surgery?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and a current list of your medications.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can fit over a sling or brace, and leave jewelry and other valuables at home. If you already have a sling, brace, or crutches from a prior visit, bring them with you.
Which medications should I stop taking before surgery?
Your surgical team will tell you exactly which medications to pause and when, so do not stop or adjust anything on your own.
Blood thinners, certain anti-inflammatory medications, and some supplements are commonly paused for a set number of days beforehand. Bring your full medication list to your pre-operative visit so the team can review it against your specific procedure.
What happens on the day of surgery?
You will check in, change, and meet your surgical team before being brought to the pre-operative area.
Dr. Sean McMillan completed fellowship training in arthroscopic sports medicine of the shoulder, hip, knee, and elbow at the University of Massachusetts, and most of the procedures he performs, including arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, hip, and knee, are done through small incisions on an outpatient basis. After the procedure, you will spend time in a recovery area while the anesthesia wears off, receive instructions for home care, and be discharged with your ride.
What is normal to feel in the days after surgery?
Some swelling, soreness, and limited motion are expected after any arthroscopic procedure.
Pain commonly eases over the first one to two weeks, and ice, elevation, and rest help manage swelling during that time, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2025). A sling after shoulder arthroscopy, or limited weight bearing after hip arthroscopy, is a normal part of early recovery, not a sign that something is wrong. Your timeline depends on the procedure performed and your health before surgery.
What symptoms mean I should call my surgical team?
Call right away for a fever over 101degF, increasing redness, warmth, or drainage at the incision, sudden or worsening swelling, or pain that is not controlled by your prescribed medication.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for chest pain, shortness of breath, or a calf that is suddenly swollen, red, or painful, since these can signal a blood clot. Keep your surgical team's contact number where you can find it in the first two weeks after surgery.
Who do I contact with questions before or after surgery?
Contact the office directly, at any point before or after your procedure, with questions about medications, your recovery, or what to expect.
The practice is accepting new patients, and appointment and contact information is available on the contact page.
This page is educational and is not a substitute for the instructions given to you directly by your surgical team.
Ready to talk about your hip and shoulder?
Call the office or request an appointment. Accepting new patients.