How to Prepare Before a Surgery
When your doctor has told you that you need surgery, there are things you can do to prepare yourself for a good outcome. Learn what you can about the procedure, do what you can to prepare yourself, and follow your doctor’s directions after surgery day. Here is a list of things you can do to help yourself get ready for surgery:
1. Learn About Your Surgery
As soon as you learn about your upcoming surgery, ask your doctor any questions you may have. Many hospitals or surgical outpatient centers have pre-surgery classes, which can answer many of your questions. A week or two before surgery, the doctor may ask you to get blood work or other pre-surgical tests.
On the day of your blood tests, someone will give you pre-surgical instructions to protect your safety. They will tell you if you need to stop taking any of your medications. You’ll learn whether you need to change your diet before surgery and when to stop eating the night before. Prepare to have someone drive you home after surgery.
2. Improve Your Health Before Surgery
Recovering from surgery will take energy, and one important way to prepare your body is with healthy food and exercise. The best foods to help your body heal are lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Beginning an exercise routine before surgery will also significantly boost your health.
If your surgery involves general anesthesia, your lungs will need to regain their strength after your surgery. You’ll be asked to do breathing exercises – including the use of deep breathing and a device called a spirometer. Another gift you can give your lungs is to stop smoking. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen in your body, which puts you at risk for heart and lung problems.
3. Adopt a Positive Frame of Mind
Your mental health has a significant effect on your physical health. Studies have shown people with depression have a longer recovery time, while a positive frame of mind will help your body prepare for surgery. To adopt a more positive outlook, begin a daily gratitude list and use a relaxing process like prayer or yoga.
4. Understand Insurance and Disability
Your doctor’s office will contact your medical insurance company to find out how much of the cost they will pay. If the doctor says you’ll have to miss time from work, find out how much time you’ll need to miss. According to Finity Group, the average long-term disability claim can last about 35 months, so it’s essential to prepare yourself for that possibility. Your Human Resources staff will help you to navigate the paperwork for your disability claim.
If you feel your current doctor isn’t giving you the level of personal attention you’d prefer, consider concierge medicine. Concierge medicine provides patients 24/7 access to their doctor and same-day appointments for an additional fee. Over 30% of concierge doctors are family physicians, while over 20% specialize in internal medicine. Osteopathic doctors account for 11% of concierge doctors, while cardiologists and pediatricians account for less than 10% of concierge physicians.
5. Prep for Oral Surgery
Because part of your mouth will be anesthetized, procedures like dental crowns should be faced with the same seriousness as surgery. Your dentist will give you a list of instructions to prepare you for any dental surgery. It may interest you to find out that most dental crowns are made from either silver, gold, or porcelain. While that won’t make the pain in your mouth go away any sooner, it will reassure you that the dentist will put quality materials into your mouth.
Surgery can be frightening, but now you know there are things you can do to prepare yourself. Prepare your mind by asking questions. Preparing your body with good food and exercise. Most of all, keep your mindset positive and prepare for a great outcome.