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Getting Ready For Surgery at Covenant Health

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We begin discharge planning for our patients on the day of admission. Some questions that you should consider to prepare for this process are as follows:

  1. Are you able to walk without difficulty? Do you require oxygen via a tank to breathe? Do you need assistance with your daily activities in order to complete them such as dressing, bathing, or preparing meals?
  2. Do you presently live with anyone? If you live alone, is there someone who would be able to assist you with around-the-clock care? Have you required any home healthcare or rehabilitation services in the past? If so, what is the name of the agency or facility that provided care to you?
  3. Do you use any assistive devices such as a rolling walker, cane, bedside commode, rollator or electric chair?
  4. Notify your surgeon one week before your surgery date if you are taking any blood thinners, for example, Coumadin.

Please attempt to work daily with the physical therapist and/or the nurses for mobility and exercises. We know that often you will not feel up to participating, but it is important in order to help determine your discharge needs and to prevent any complications that can occur from inactivity.

Your Doctor, Nurse, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Respiratory Therapist, Dietitian, Case Manager and Social Worker all work as a team to assist you with identifying any discharge needs SPECIFIC to you as our patient.

Making a plan prior to surgery will help ease the worry of going home after your surgery.

Tips for Planning Your Surgery
The Evening Before Surgery
The Day of Surgery
Surgery Planning Checklist
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With as much good as TAVR surgery does, I don’t know why anybody who’s having problems wouldn’t do it.

Roy Ogle, Covenant Health’s First TAVR Patient

TAVR

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Dr. Riedel saved my life. He was the one who made the call, just for peace of mind, to do that heart cath. The hospitals are just the best I’ve ever been in, I’ve never had a bad experience.

Chris Tatum, Covenant Patient

Heart Catheterization

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Cardiac rehab at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center has helped strengthen my heart and helped renew my spirit.

Jessie Hood, Covenant Patient

Cardiac Rehabilitation