Many of us will eventually schedule a surgery to repair, replace or cure an illness. Some of us will have elective surgeries for cosmetic reasons. Preparing for surgery will most definitely lead to a higher rate of success and recovery.
What does it mean to prepare for something that brings about anxiety, worry, and concern? It means we need answers to lots of questions about the type of surgery and the recovery process. It also means we need to work on our anxiety so that we are mentally prepared, and we can envision a positive outcome. It’s a good idea to work on relaxation exercises before the surgery. You can contact our office and we would be happy to send you a few.
Being physically fit also helps us have the best chance at bouncing back sooner and having fewer complications while in the hospital.
Here are a few tips on getting your body ready while preparing for surgery.
6 Weeks Before Surgery:
- Exercise: Daily walking, bicycling, or swimming can improve lung function and overall physical conditioning. Also, repeatedly blowing up a balloon can be helpful to get those lungs in shape. Ask your doctor before starting any aerobic exercises – and remember to start slow and work up to your goal.
- Improve your Nutritional Status: Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes lots of plant-based proteins, leafy greens and fewer red meats. Avoid processed foods and fast food. Reduce sugar consumption, and if you’re diabetic, keep those numbers in the 90-110 range. Your physician can assist you with this preparation or refer you to a nutritionist.
- Stop Smoking! Smoking can cause poor wound healing and affect your lung functioning. Kick the habit. This is an excellent time to start.
More Tips for A Positive Outcome:
- Medications/Over-the-Counter Vitamins/Medications: Consult your surgeon about everything you are taking – some can stay in your system for a long time and could interfere with other medications, bleeding, etc
- If you have any change of health leading up to your surgery date, such as a cold or a sore throat, tell the surgical team, usually a nurse or another person is coordinating your pre-hospital stay.
- In most cases you may not have anything to eat or drink after midnight, and in some cases it can be longer. Ask this question and write down the answers.
- Shower before your surgery. In some cases special anti-bacterial soaps will be given to you – again, ask questions!
- Medications: Ask if you can take your regular medications the day of your surgery. They might want you to take one or two with a sip of water and then again they might not want you to have anything. ASK!
Bring An Advocate With You:
- This companion can take notes and be sure everyone treating you is aware of your unique needs. They can also check to see that all those attending you are using Universal Precautions – wearing gloves, not working while ill, and washing their hands before and after giving you any treatments!
- If you are post 60, you can start to become de-conditioned within two days of being admitted to a hospital due to dehydration and lack of mobility. Bring your own water bottle that is easy to hold to the hospital. Have your advocate make sure it stays close to you. Be aware that some procedures, health issues and/or medications might restrict your water intake. This is a great issue for your advocate to ask questions about and encourage you to drink water if you can!
- Mobility. Often you can lose conditioning (muscle mass) because the doctor did not write orders for Physical Therapy. So have your advocate ask questions. If you can get up and move, do so as often as you have energy, and it is within the plan of care.
All of these tips will give you the greatest potential for a good outcome and a swift recovery. Don’t forget, when you get home to keep up that healthy diet, exercise and follow discharge orders!
Professional Care Managers act as advocates for those without families in the area. They can also serve those who want experienced experts asking the important questions, before, during and after a surgical procedure.