Ways to Prepare for Surgery

Surgery is invasive, causing patients to consider how to prepare for surgery. The potential to scar and the post-treatment process. Whether you’re having Reduction Surgery, Laser Surgery, correction surgery, or general surgery, here are some tips to help you gear up for the big day.

Ways to Prepare for Surgery

Prior to your surgery date, your surgeon will handle any remaining details and give you a list of instructions. This could include medication, sleep, dietary or intimacy details. Follow these closely.

Also, share the information with friends or family as you may need to rely on their help for a successful surgery.

By this point, you’ve most likely consulted your physician about the purpose and the process of your surgery. You may already have a date, a set of instructions to prepare for surgery, and a basic idea of what the recuperation period will look like.

However, it’s up to you to be mentally and physically ready.

  1. Be sure to relax and lay low. Your body is going to need to be well-rested to take on the stress of surgery. Ease up on your responsibilities in the days and weeks prior to your surgery date. Allow friends and family to help out with meals, cleaning, errands, work, and other personal and professional needs.
  2. Make sure your blood pressure is at a healthy level. This will give you a better surgical outcome.
  3. Adhere to your surgeon’s instructions regarding medication. If you have a question about any needed over-the-counter medication such as aspirin or cold medicine, consult with your physician first. Too many life-threatening complications can come from innocently taking the wrong medication at the wrong time.
  4. Document your doctor’s instructions and keep them accessible for quick reference. Let your loved ones know what is included and where they can find it should an emergency arise.
  5. Quit smoking in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Because general anesthesia is required for most types of surgeries, your lungs will better adjust. In addition, if you stop smoking, even within a few days of the surgery, you’ll lessen the risk of the infection.
  6. Whatever you can do ahead of time will make for a more peaceful recovery period. Make post-surgery arrangements for a ride, meals, house cleaning, yard work, visits from friends, dry cleaning, grocery shopping, and of course, medical care and follow-up appointments. Understand that you may need a little help, so be sure you line up your “go-to” team before your surgery.

On the day of your general surgery, be sure to review your instructions and medical history with the medical team.

Be sure you understand how anesthesia works and check to make sure the information on your hospital bracelet is correct. If you have any type of prosthetic or special apparatus—dentures, pacemaker, hearing aid, or prosthetic—be sure to note that with the nurses and physicians.

More ways to prepare for surgery

Other considerations include the use of a sleeve-like apparatus to be worn on your legs while in surgery. This prevents deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which threatens any surgical patient.

The sleeve reduces the risk of clotting, allowing blood to freely flow through your blood vessels.

In addition, you may be asked to take anticoagulants before and after the procedure, especially if you’re having a knee or hip joint replacement surgery. Once you’ve undergone surgery, your surgeon will want you up and moving. This will prevent DVT.

While it may not be easy or pain-free, taking a stroll down the hall could save your life.

As you select ways to prepare for surgery, be sure to closely follow your physician’s orders. Share these instructions with loved ones as they can help you with your preparations. And should you have questions or concerns, don’t be shy to voice them. Many patients are concerned about intimacy, scar issues, driving, returning to work, and dietary issues. That’s normal, so if your questions were not already addressed, speak up.

Expectations are important when you prepare for any type of procedure—Reduction Surgery, Laser Surgery, correction surgery, or general surgery. It’s important to realize that you may not be ready to jump back into your busy life immediately after your procedure.

However, with a little time, patience, “TLC” for your body, scar treatment, and adherence to the doctor’s orders, you’ll be back in full swing before you know it.

Ways to Prepare for Surgery

 

 

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