Carotid Ultrasound - Used to determine if a blockage exists in the carotid and to what extent. The carotid arteries supply blood flow to the brain, which can prevent stroke.

Abdominal Ultrasound - Used to diagnose and measure Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Peripheral Ultrasound - Used to determine of there is diminished blood flow to the lower legs and feet. This can lead to gangrene and sometimes amputation.

Venous Ultrasound - Used to determine of a patient has a blood clot in their arms or legs.

Renal Ultrasound - Used to determine if the renal (kidney) arteries have any blockage.

Have a no fat meal at supper the night before (ex. fruits and vegetables).

Take an antacid at bedtime (ex. Tums, Mylanta).

No food or drink after midnight the night before.

Take another antacid 1 hour before the test.

Your next two weeks at home should be an extension of your last day in the hospital.

Take it easy with the visitors. Limit the number of visitors and do not let visitors stay too long for the first few weeks.

Walk as often and as far as you wish. Be sure to walk a few times a day, and whenever you get tired, rest.

Do not drive for a minimum for four weeks. The doctor will discuss this further at your first appointment.

Do not lift anything heavier than a telephone.

Eat whatever you like, and as much as you want for the first few weeks. It is important to get your strength back, so be sure that you DO eat. It may be easier to eat five small snacks a day instead of three big meals. (If you are diabetic be sure to follow your outlined diet.)

Be sure to take one aspirin a day and other medications as directed.

As you begin to feel better, you may resume your normal activities, including sexual activity.

If you are not improving, have fevers, redness or drainage from your wounds, increasing shortness of breath, angina-like chest pains, or any other unusual symptoms - please call.

***** Please call the office within 1-2 days of returning home to schedule your first post operative appointment. This appointment will be approximately 2 weeks from the day you were discharged from the hospital and will require you to have a chest x-ray 1 hour prior to this appointment. The clinic coordinator will make all the arrangements for you; all you have to do is show up. St Joseph office patients will have the x-ray at the Health Park on Hollywood Road. Niles, Dowagiac, South Haven and Watervliet Clinic patients will have the x-ray at each respective hospital. You will then bring the x-ray film or a CD of the x-ray with you to your appointment that day.

If you have any questions, concerns or complaints do not hesitate to call: 408-1660 or toll free 1-888-408-4080, both a 24 hour phone number.

Frederick H. Levine, M.D./Kourosh Baghelai, M.D.

*Always keep a current list of your medications with you and take this list to all doctor visits.