FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I schedule an Appointment with Dr Mandelbaum?
You need a referral from your family doctor. Once the clinic receives the referral, someone from the office will call to schedule an appointment.
If you are coming back within one year for the same problem you do not need a referral.
Where is the hospital and where do I park?
The hospital is located at 3030 Lawrence Ave E., but it can be a bit tricky to find the Parking garage and the Main Entrance. Click on the link below for some great directions.
How do I find your office?
The office is located on the 2nd. floor of Medical Mall on the north side of the Scarborough General Hospital. The elevator to the second floor is located just behind the Tim Horton's cafe.
What can I eat after surgery?
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What exactly are "Clear Liquids" ?
Clear liquids include water, tea or coffee without cream or milk, clear broth, sport drinks like GatorAide, clear soda like 7-UP or Sprite or light ginger ale, Jello
What do I do if I have to Cancel or Reschedule an appointment?
We know things happen in life that can be problematic. Although we don't encourage anyone to miss an appointment with a specialist, we understand. If you have to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact the office ASAP. This allows for other people to be fit into the schedule and allows you to get the your next appointment as fast a possible.
When do I show up to the hospital for my procedure?
If you're having a colonoscopy or endoscopy, you only need to arrive at the hospital 1 hr ahead of your procedure time. However, if you are having surgery, we recommend that you arrive 2 hours prior to the scheduled time.
Why does someone have to accompany me home after a sedated procedure?
Ideally you should have someone (a relative or a friend) stay with you for a period of time after anaesthesia and surgery. One reason for this is because the effects of the operation may limit your physical activity. You may need assistance with everyday things, such as washing and dressing.
Should I take my regular medication on the morning of surgery?
REGULAR MEDICATIONS
Most regular medications should be taken at your usual time with a sip of water before you have any procedure. This is particularly the case for blood pressure medication, medication for epilepsy and heart medications.
DIABETES medications are different.
If you take pills for diabetes they SHOULD NOT be taken before the procedure. Examples of diabetes pills include metformin, gliclazide, invokana, jardiance, ozempic.
If you take insulin in the morning, you should take one half your regular insulin dose before the procedure.
Please check your blood sugars at your regular times. If it is low, or you feel like it is low, it is ok to have some clear juice immediately.
BLOOD THINNING MEDICATION such as, apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), edoxaban (Lixiana), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), warfarin (Coumadin) or Plavix are usually stopped prior to most procedures. If Dr. Mandelbaum has not given you clear instructions at the time you agreed to the procedure please contact the office.
Can I shower? Can I have a bath? Can I go for a swim
Over the wounds will be an outer dressing and an inner dressing. The outer dressing should be removed after approximately 48 hours and at this time you can shower. Dap the wounds dry with some paper towel and a new outer dressing can be placed if you like.
Do not submerge in a bath for 1 week. The inner dressing which are little sticky tapes called Steri-Strips should be left on until they start to peel off which is usually by 2 weeks. At this point you can peel them off.
Do I have to get a Covid-19 Test before my procedure
Currently, everyone who is coming into the hospital for a procedure MUST get a Covid-19 test 4 days prior to the date of the procedure. Scarborough General Hospital works very closely with the testing centre of $%$#%$% which is located at $%#$%#$%$#%#%$#%#$%#. There is no wait for Dr. Saul's patients if you show up to the testing centre between 9am -11am, Monday through Friday.
Without the test, the hospital will refuse your procedure.
What if I've had both my Covid-19 Vaccine Shots?
Even if you have received your vaccine, it still may be too soon for it to have fully kicked in. Also, you are still able to be a carrier of Covid-19 or the variants, so the test is designed to protect all staff and patients in the hospital.