Click here for directions.

Click here for Dr. Meisterling’s hospital and surgery center affiliations.

• 48 hours after surgery with a bandage covering the incision.
• AQUACEL ®  and Mepilex dressings can get wet immediately. This dressing is used for Total Joint Replacements. This will remain in place for 14 days.
• DO NOT SUBMERGE the incision in a tub or pool until cleared by Dr. Meisterling.

• Yes, most patients are given narcotic pain medications, unless there are allergies or other concerns.
• Other medications may be prescribed along with pain medicine to assist with pain control.
• Anti-inflammatory medications may be used if you are not taking blood thinners (Coumadin, Xarelto, etc.).
  • These can be taken along with your pain medication.
• Many narcotics have Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in them. Do not take additional Tylenol with these medications.  You may take Tylenol if there is none already combined with your pain medication.

• Total joint replacements – Aspirin (325mg) will be taken twice daily for six weeks.
• Prescription blood thinners will be prescribed on a case to case basis.

• Call our office for ANY concerns after surgery, prior to going to the ER or your primary MD.
  
• We offer Urgent Care from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm at our High Pointe office located in Lake Elmo, MN.
• If you are seen in an ER or clinic outside of the TCO clinics, DO NOT take antibiotics. If your provider suspects an infection at your surgical site, we need to see you in our clinic ASAP, especially if any infection is suspected prior to taking any antibiotics. Taking antibiotics can eliminate our ability to determine if a true infection is present and how it needs to be treated.  Often the suspected infection is a normal response after surgery.

• Dr. Meisterling will speak with your family and friends immediately following surgery, either in person or via phone. In the hospital, you will be followed by a Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner from Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) or a Family Medicine Doctor/Hospitalist (St. Croix Regional).
• You will be seen by Rachel Brang, PA-C at your first post-op appointment, 7-14 days after surgery. Most questions can be answered at that appointment.
• Dr. Meisterling will typically see you after six weeks in the clinic and thereafter.
• He will make every effort to see you in the hospital prior to discharge. However, he is at different locations each day of the week, so this may not be possible.  Pleas know that he is always monitoring your care either via phone with nursing staff or through the daily rounding member of the TCO staff.

• Ice is best to reduce inflammation.
• You may use heat once the swelling is controlled. This can help with stiffness and soreness.

Yes, this can cause an increase in pain and swelling 1-2 days before/after weather changes.

• Sleep is difficult to regulate after surgery.
• Try to position yourself, with pillows, either in bed or a recliner to find a comfortable position.
• Melatonin is a supplement that can help make you sleepy.
• Pain medications can help if you take them before bedtime.
• If you have spasms or nerve pains at night, there are medications that can help this. Please ask.
  • Ex: Neurontin (Gabapentin)

• You must be off all narcotic medications.
• When you feel that you are able to operate a vehicle safely while wearing any medical devices placed at the time of surgery (sling, brace, or boot).
• If surgery was performed on your right leg, discuss with your surgeon prior to driving.
  • Typically: Six weeks for right-sided surgery and two weeks for left-sided surgery.

• When you feel ready, and work will allow you to return.
• This can also be discussed at your first appointment following surgery.

• Our team is here to help you with any concerns you may have going forward after your surgery. If there are concerns NOT covered on this FAQ page, please contact our office.
• During office hours, please call Kayla at 651-351-2676.
• If you need immediate assistance, call 651-439-8807, select the ‘operator’ option and have Kayla paged overhead.
• During the weekend or after hours, please call 651-439-8807 and you will be directed to the on-call physician or physician assistant.

It is the responsibility of the patient to obtain the necessary paperwork, and send it to our office before surgery.

Please send all paperwork to Dr. Meisterling’s clinical assistant, Kayla, via mail or fax.

Forms can be mailed to any of Dr. Meisterling’s clinic locations.
Forms can be faxed to 651-439-0232.