5 Things To Consider Before You Get Surgery

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Going into surgery is a major decision and you need to be sure that you’re ready for it.

 
But what do you need to do to cut the risks and generally feel okay about what’s about to happen?

 
That’s what we explore in this guide. Most people will usually go through surgery at some point in their lives, so knowing what’s happening and how to deal with it is essential.

 
Address The Emotional Impact

 
You’ll want to start by addressing the emotional side of going to surgery. It can take its toll on your nerves sometimes, whether you’re going under full anesthetic, or just a local one.

 
If you feel anxious, don’t worry: that’s normal. It’s a good idea to make sure that you have everything in place that you need to feel confident and happy about the surgery.

 
For example, you might look into your insurance coverage and whether you have any copays so you know where you stand financially. You could also look at getting a counselor or a therapist to guide you through the emotional side, if you feel that’s what you need.

Plan Logistics

 
Another thing you’ll want to consider is the logistics. You should think about whether you have everything in place you need before, during and after the operation.

 
For example, most operations require you to have someone to escort you from the hospital. Make sure you have this trusted person in place if you want to avoid using taxies.

 
Also, check you have all the personal possessions you need, like comfortable clothes, your insurance documents, personal ID and letters from your doctor. These will help you through the process.

Complete Pre-Opt Testing

 
You also want to ensure that you’re getting advanced surgical care from the clinic you’re using. You should be undergoing numerous tests under your doctor’s instructions, like EKGs or X-rays, before going for the exam.

 
Make sure that you follow the showering and hygiene instructions before your operation carefully. Usually, surgeons will request that you wash your entire body with antibacterial soap and clean your bedsheets the night before the operation. This helps to reduce the risk of spreading infection while you’re in theatre, keeping you safe.

Follow Fasting Instructions

 
Another important point to consider is pre-op fasting. Usually, surgeons will tell you not to eat anything for a specified length of time before the surgery, depending on the type of work they want to carry out on you.

 
Usually, the fasting period is usually from the night before. However, some operations require you to fast for longer.

Optimize Your Health As Best You Can

 
Lastly, you’ll want to optimize your health as best you can before the surgery. Getting this right can minimize risks and give you a better chance of a swift and full recovery.

 
Doing right by your health involves all the usual advice. Make sure you’re eating a proper diet, staying fit (if that’s possible) and managing any conditions you have with the meds provided by your physician.