The weeks leading up to any medical operation can be nerve-wracking. However, irrespective of the type of operation, your recovery depends on the pre-treatment preparation and on the post-surgery health care tips. Hence, being aware of your own condition before the operation and better familiarity with the doctor can facilitate smooth recovery. To learn more about the services offered by Oswego Hospitals and find the location nearest you, click here.
1. Get to Know Your Medical Professionals
Even for a routine surgical procedure, it’s important to know that you are in good hands. Talk to your physician to ensure they are qualified to perform the operation. Similarly, they can help you learn what the procedure will involve and how you should prepare for it. You will generally have a preadmission appointment a few weeks prior to your operation so that you and your doctors can go over the necessary pre-op steps. You should also consult your physician anesthesiologist, the highly trained medical professional who will administer anesthesia and monitor your health during the operation.
2. Know Yourself – and Your Insurance!
Talk to your physician about your medical history so that you can be aware of all the risks. Prior medical conditions, blood pressure, allergies, weight, diet, alcohol and drug use all play a role in how your operation will go. These factors will help inform your doctor what you need to be most careful of before surgery. Lastly, check your medical insurance coverage to make sure that you won’t end up with any surprise bills after the surgery.
3. Eat Healthy
For most operations you cannot eat or drink anything after midnight on the day before your procedure. Prior to this, however, having the right diet can significantly reduce the risk of post-surgery complications. Cutting down on sugary foods while increasing protein and fiber consumption will keep your circulatory and digestive systems working optimally as you recover. Anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits and veggies, can also contribute to a speedy and pain-free recovery.
Some doctors may also advise taking dietary supplements to improve your nutritional intake, whereas others may advise against taking them. Make sure your doctor knows what medications and supplements you take regularly before your surgery.
4. Pause Unhealthy Habits
Smoking decreases blood flow, so smokers have increased risk of suffering a stroke or a blood clot after surgery. Moreover, smoking on the day of your operation greatly increases the risk of surgery-site infection. If you cannot quit smoking entirely, do not smoke on the day of the operation. Additionally, try to cut down on smoking for at least two weeks leading up to your operation. Similarly, alcohol can react unpredictably with anesthesia and may cause other health complications. So, consider holding off on drinking in the weeks prior to surgery.
5. Stay (or Get) in Shape!
After your surgery you will inevitably have to remain inactive for some time, so to help your body recover faster it’s important to be in the best shape you can be prior to the surgery. Individuals with an exercise routine in place already should continue it up until the day of the surgery. Even if you live a relatively inactive lifestyle, walking at least 30 minutes a day in the weeks leading up to the surgery can help improve your chances of a speedy recovery.
Similarly, if you are overweight, losing a couple kilos can help your surgeon operate more efficiently. Excess body fat reduces visibility in surgery and can mean a longer time spent under anesthesia, which can ultimately be detrimental to your health.
6. Make a Game Plan
On the day of your surgery, wear loose fitting clothing and leave any jewelry and valuables at home. Make sure to bathe, ensuring that the area that will be operated on is as clean as possible. Get a loved one to take you to the hospital for your surgery and drive you home afterwards. You should also have someone stay with you the first night home post-surgery. It could even be a good idea to do extra shopping ahead of time, so you have a well-stocked pantry while you recover.
7. Listen to Your Doctor
The ultimate judge of what you should (or shouldn’t) be doing before a surgery is your doctor. Depending on the kind of surgery you are planning to undergo, as well as any previous conditions, your doctor may recommend taking additional or different preparatory measures. Advice from a trained professional supersedes any general medical tips and will help ensure your post-operation health and safety.
Heath Buckner
Heath Buckner is a healthcare professional who loves to write articles about the industry. Heath aims to educate the general public about the different innovations in the healthcare industry and how all of these can affect their lives.
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