Surgery is a stressful experience, so it helps to be as prepared as possible. Preparation can help alleviate any fears you may have and cover any questions bases that may not have occurred to you to ask. We understand that being prepared for surgery helps ensure a smooth operation as well as a better recovery, and we want to help in every way possible.
From side effects to whether you should eat or drink beforehand, ask questions so you know what to expect. Arrange for help around your home to aid in recovery. You should also stock your fridge with food and your closet with comfortable clothing. Make sure to discuss any supplements you’re taking and their potential side effects with your doctor.
1. Ask Questions
Sometimes it pays to be a know-it-all. If you’re scheduled for surgery, arrange some time to talk to your medical team. Especially your:
- Surgeon
- Anesthesiologist
- Person in charge of your comfort during surgery
Do you have a child who is scheduled for surgery? Check out How To Prepare Your Child for Surgery to learn what you can do to help them.
2. Ask for Help
Chances are that you won’t have the mobility that you normally would after surgery. In this case, it helps to enlist a family member or a friend to help you recover. You’ll need help:
- Moving around
- Cooking
- Cleaning
It’s especially important that you have someone stay overnight your first night after surgery. They can help with any problems that you may experience as well as spot any problem areas that you may need extra help with around the house.
3. Hit the Grocery Store
As you get closer to your surgery date, you’ll be concerned about transportation, medications, cleaning, and following your doctor’s orders. Unfortunately, many people forget about the basics, like having plenty of food to eat. Buy food that’s easy to prepare or even prepare some meals beforehand. This will remove a lot of the stress that can occur during recovery.
Want more tips for preparing for surgery as well as recovery? Read 7 Abdominal Surgery Preparation and Recovery Tips to learn more!
4. Have Plenty of Loose Clothes
Prepping for surgery isn’t a fashion show. However, what you wear can have a huge impact on how you feel the day of your surgery and throughout your recovery. You will want to be able to move around easily with as few restrictions as possible. Make sure to have plenty of loose and comfy clothes on hand before surgery to make your recovery period as pleasant as possible.
5. Discuss Any Supplements You’re On
Along with prescription medications for medical conditions, your surgeon will want to know about any supplements you may be taking. While they may help in some ways, some can actually make surgery more dangerous by increasing your risk of heart problems or causing a bad reaction to general anesthesia. Discuss taking a break from these before your procedure.
Talk to your medical team beforehand about any questions you may have about how to prepare, your operation, and recovery. Enlist family and friends to help while you recover to make it less stressful. You should also make sure to have plenty of food and comfortable clothing on hand. Talk to your doctor about any supplements you may be on and if they’ll interfere in any way.
Do you want someone to guide you through the surgery preparation process? Call us today at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to schedule your appointment!
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231. We are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm if you would like to schedule an appointment.
