How to Prepare Yourself for Surgery

No matter what type of surgery you’re going to have, there are certain things you can and need to do in order to prepare for it. Of course, you’ll receive some kind of anesthesia, but being well prepared will increase the chances of having a successful surgery and recovering well. With that in mind, here’s what you can do to prepare yourself for your surgery.

Educate yourself
First thing’s first, you need to do your research. Of course, no matter how much you know about the surgery, you might still be a little bit afraid. After all, every surgery carries some risks, but you’re less likely to be anxious about it if you know everything there is to know about the surgery. So, take the time to get informed – just make sure to do so from reputable sources.

 
Ask many questions
You probably have more than a few questions about your surgery, which is completely normal and expected. Therefore, don’t hesitate to get them answered. Some answers you can find online, but you should always be able to talk to your doctor about anything that bothers you. Don’t forget that your doctor and the rest of the health care team are all there to assist you, so take advantage of that opportunity and ask them everything you don’t know about the surgery. For example, if you’re preparing for a brain or spine surgery in the Land Down Under, you can consult Dr Timothy Steel, a professional neurosurgeon who’d gladly answer all your questions.

Be as healthy as you can be
Spend the time before your surgery to increase your health as much as you can. This means that you should exercise a bit more, eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep at night, etc. If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking at least a day or two before the surgery – smoking can cause respiratory issues, and it can make the recovery much more difficult.

Avoid shaving or waxing
Many people think that they should shave before the surgery; we all brush our teeth before visiting the dentist, so it’s only logical that we should remove all the hair when having surgery, right? Wrong. By doing so, you could nick your skin or make it more sensitive, which could increase the risk of getting an infection. If anything needs to be shaved, it will be done at the hospital, so don’t worry about it. If you are still uncomfortable about it, you can always trim the area in question with scissors, just make sure not to damage the skin.

Try breathing exercises
Focusing on your breath when under stress can help you calm down. As mentioned, no matter how much you know about the surgery, or how many times you talk to your doctor, you may still feel some anxiety about the procedure. Breathing exercises can be useful during those times, so start practicing them a few days before the surgery to help you put your mind at ease.

Prepare for recovery 
No matter what kind of surgery you’re preparing for, you’ll also have to go through a post-operative recovery period – and prepare for it, as well. Knowing what to expect after surgery and how you’ll be recovering can also help you feel more comfortable. It’s also important to know what to expect in case you’ve had any plans for the period after the surgery, so you can adjust your schedule accordingly.

Avoid surprise medical bills
While your physical and mental health is a priority, you should also make sure that there won’t be any unpleasant financial surprises. Make sure there aren’t any insurance gaps; sometimes, the insurance plan limits the number of physicians allowed in the network. So, always ask who’ll work on your case and whether they are a part of your insurance plan. You can also call your insurance company to verify that everything is covered.

Having surgery is not to be taken lightly, but there are many ways to de-stress and increase the chances of success. So, consider the listed tips, and don’t hesitate to talk to your doctors. Do whatever you can to improve your health before – and after – the surgery, and there’ll be nothing for you to worry about.

This is a guest blog entry.