Your patient journey before, during, and after your procedure
What to Expect During Orthopedic Surgery
Choosing to proceed with surgery can feel like a big step. Dr. Schicker’s goal is to make that step as clear, calm, and well supported as possible. From preparation through recovery, his patients are guided at every stage, with time to ask him questions and understand exactly what to expect.
Most procedures are planned as outpatient surgeries and follow a structured, well-rehearsed process designed around patient safety, comfort, and efficiency.
Serving /// Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Sandpoint
A Simple Overview of Your Surgical Journey
- Personal consultation and surgery planning
- Clear preparation guidance before your procedure
- The day of surgery and discharge planning
- Pain management and early recovery
- Follow-up care and ongoing support
Each step is explained below in plain language, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preparing for Your Surgery
Dr. Schicker believes that good outcomes begin with good preparation. Before surgery, his patients receive clear guidance so they know how to prepare, what to expect, and how to plan practically for the day itself.
Preparation typically includes:
- A detailed consultation to confirm diagnosis and treatment plan
- Review of imaging, medical history, and current medications
- A written pre-operative preparation pack
- Clear guidance on fasting, hydration, and medications
- Practical advice on what to bring and how to arrange transport home
Most patients do not require additional medical clearance. Pre-operative clearance from a primary care physician or cardiology is only requested if there is a prior history of cardiac issues.
Medication guidance is provided in advance. Dr. Schicker typically asks patients to stop NSAIDs and supplements around one week before surgery. He manages anticoagulant medications on an individual basis depending on the specific drug, usually ranging from stopping 2 to 5 days before surgery.
Additional Preparation Support
For patients who would benefit from a structured pre-surgical optimisation programme, Dr. Schicker collaborates with Thrive Protocol, which provides a surgical preparation kit designed to support recovery and overall readiness for surgery.
Dr. Schicker’s patients can access a discount on the kit using the link below.
Patients are encouraged to ask questions at this stage. Taking time to prepare properly helps surgery day run smoothly and reduces anxiety.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Surgery
On the day of surgery, Dr. Schicker and his experienced team focus on calm, efficient care.
The day typically includes:
- Arrival and check in at the surgical facility
- Meeting Dr. Schicker and his care team and reviewing the surgical plan
- Anaesthesia discussion and final questions
- The procedure itself
- Recovery and discharge planning
The majority of patients are discharged home the same day. If surgery is performed at Bonner General Hospital, some patients may stay overnight and are typically discharged the following morning.
Family members are welcome to remain on site during the procedure.
Before discharge, one of Dr. Schicker’s post-operative nurses provide clear verbal instructions, along with written guidance, so patients know exactly what to do once they return home.
Post Operative Pain Management & Comfort
It is normal to have concerns about pain after surgery. Dr. Schicker carefully plans and leads pain management, with the aim of keeping his patients comfortable while supporting safe recovery.
A multimodal pain management approach is used, which may include:
Acetaminophen; NSAIDs; Gabapentin; Opioid medication, only when necessary
Regional anaesthesia and nerve blocks are commonly used as part of this approach to help reduce post operative discomfort.
Opioid medication is prescribed only in the smallest amount required, with the goal of minimising use while maintaining comfort.
Patients are given clear guidance on what level of discomfort is normal, how to use medications safely, and when to contact the practice if pain is not well controlled or something feels unexpected.
Recovery & Follow-up Care
Recovery does not end when you leave the surgical facility. Follow-up care is an important part of achieving a good long term outcome.
- Scheduled follow-up appointments
- Monitoring healing and function
- Adjustments to recovery or rehabilitation plans
- Ongoing guidance as activity levels increase
Patients are not expected to manage recovery alone. Support continues throughout the healing process.
Discuss Your Treatment Options
If you are considering surgery and would like to understand your options, the first step is a consultation with Dr. Schicker. He will review your condition, discuss treatment approaches, and help you decide what is right for you.
Contact Dr. Schicker to arrange an appointment or to speak with the team for further guidance.
Q & A
Commonly Asked Questions
Many patients, seeking reassurance, ask similar questions before surgery. Dr. Schicker discusses these questions openly during his consultations, and his patients are encouraged to raise anything that matters to them.
For most patients, returning home the same day is part of the plan. Dr. Schicker makes discharge decisions based on comfort, safety, and readiness rather than the clock.
In situations where he recommends an overnight stay, this is discussed in advance and planned deliberately, not decided at the last minute. The goal is always a smooth, well supported transition from surgery to recovery, whether that happens the same day or the following morning.
Most patients experience some discomfort after surgery, particularly in the first few days, but this is expected and planned for. Pain is usually most noticeable early on and improves steadily as healing progresses.
The focus is on keeping discomfort manageable so patients can rest, move safely, and begin recovery without unnecessary distress. Dr. Schicker will advise you on what sensations are normal, how pain typically changes over time, and what signs would warrant a call to the team.
If pain feels more intense than expected or is not improving as discussed, patients are encouraged to get in touch so it can be addressed promptly.
This depends on the type of procedure performed, the physical demands of your job, and how your recovery progresses. Some patients return to light activities relatively quickly, while others need more time before resuming work or higher impact tasks.
Recovery timelines are discussed during your consultation with Dr. Schicker, and he will review them again after surgery. His guidance is personalised, with the focus on healing properly rather than rushing recovery.
If you have questions or concerns after surgery, you should use the contact number provided at discharge. Patients are given clear instructions before discharge, including who to call and how to reach the team.
Whether it is a question about pain, swelling, medication, or something that simply does not feel right, you are encouraged to get in touch. Support continues beyond the day of surgery, and concerns are taken seriously.
