How to Prepare for Surgery
Surgery can prove to be a major source of anxiety and discomfort for all patients. Regardless of whether or not you’ve experienced a surgical procedure before, it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous or a little out of your element. Afterall, you’re putting your health in another person’s hands!
Fortunately, there are ways to make sure you’re prepared both mentally and physically for any type of surgery. From concerns over pain management to worrying that your body won’t be strong enough for surgery, there are absolutely steps you can take to prepare for surgery.
Talk to Your Doctor
Your doctor is your number one resource for preparing you for any surgical procedure. Even if your doctor isn’t the one actually performing your surgery, he or she will be able to help you understand what to expect.
You should always come to every doctor’s appointment prepared with a list of questions, concerns, and changes in medical history. Your doctor should also be upfront with you about your medical condition and take the time to explain what you’re about to experience. Your doctor understands your unique situation and is best suited to supply you with the following information:
- Credentials – your doctor can provide you with information and certifications for your surgeon and anesthesiologist
- Procedures – hospitals have check-in procedures that you’ll want to know about before you head in on the day of surgery
- Physical goals – being healthy enough for surgery is crucial to a positive outcome, and your doctor can help you get there
- Day before preparations – you’ll have a list of dos and don’ts the day before surgery including required fasts and medication limitations
- Resources – there are many online or physical resources to help you learn about your procedure
- Operating room – the operating room can be a source of anxiety, but your doctor can let you know what it will look like and what will happen the day of the operation to reduce your pre-surgery anxiety
- Recovery – every recovery process looks different, but your doctor can give you an idea of milestones that should be met and options for pain management
- Medications – make sure you’re informed on all medications required pre- and post-op, including pain medication
- Caregivers – your doctor can help you make arrangements for caregivers to help you after your surgery
- Medical Billing – avoid surprise medical costs by asking your doctor for information on medical billing procedures and codes for your specific surgery
Your doctor can also connect you with additional resources to help prepare you for surgical procedures.
Seek Outside Help
Your doctor has most likely developed a broad network of healthcare professionals that you can reach out to while you prepare for surgery, including physical therapists, mental health services, and pain management clinics.
Physical therapy can help you make sure your body is healthy and prepared for surgery through customized exercises and lifestyle changes.
Mental health services can help you manage any feelings of anxiety or sadness associated with surgical procedures and health issues.
Pain management clinics can help you create customized care solutions to manage your pain naturally both before and after surgery. If you’re wary of medications containing opioids, pain management can provide you with the pain relief you need without intimidating side effects.
For more information on ways you can prepare for surgery including pain relief, call our offices today.