If you’re reading this, chances are you are undergoing surgery soon or you’re seriously considering surgery. It’s completely normal to feel anxious especially if this is your first surgery (we’ve seen plenty of patients, you’re definitely not the first).
That being said, it’s not so daunting when you know what to do before and after surgery.
We’ve broken down the tips into pre-surgery and post-surgery for you. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Pre-Surgery
Tip #1: Ask, Ask, Ask
You’re the patient and you have the right to know the specifics about the procedure you might be undergoing. In fact, we’d encourage more questions. So, we can address any and all concerns you may have to ensure you are well-informed.
It would be a good idea to ask your surgeon about managing your comfort and care during the operation and how to best prepare for your surgery. You could also ask about the risks of the procedure and the anticipated healing time after the surgery and the post-op recovery care that would be recommended (more on this later).
Remember, it’s always better to ask than to not know. We doctors can only address concerns we are aware of, so please make your concerns known.
Tip # 2: Don’t Worry About Waking Up During Surgery
There are stories of people waking up during surgery and it does happen, but it’s extremely rare.
Even in those rare instances when patients have woken up during surgery, they feel no pain. It is because the anesthetic is still in effect and they’ll fall back asleep soon enough. If anything, it’ll just make a cool story you can tell at your next social gathering.
On a more serious note, you should definitely inform your surgeon if you are concerned about this. Or if this has happened to you before so the necessary steps can be taken.
Tip # 3: Discuss Your Medical Conditions
We cannot stress this enough – you MUST inform your surgeon of your existing and/or past medical conditions.
Depending on your medical history, your surgeon might need to take additional precautions or change their approach to your surgery – or not recommend surgery at all if some medical conditions might put you at high risk of experiencing complications during surgery or during your recovery afterwards.
For example, if you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you could have adverse reactions to anesthesia. If you are on blood thinners and the procedure you’re about to undergo carries a high bleeding risk, then you might need to stop your blood thinners temporarily before you are fit for surgery.
Please make sure you inform your surgeon of your medical history so they can take good care of you. Discuss at length how with your surgeon about the extra steps/precautions that need to be taken for your safety and smooth recovery.
Tip #4: Avoid Medication/Supplement Mishaps
Adding to Tip #3, you should also inform your surgeons of your list of medications and supplements. It’s not enough to just let your surgeon know the medical conditions you have. Detail your medication and supplement names and dosages.
It would be a great idea to have all your list of medications and supplements listed down on your phone or notebook so you have it handy during these conversations with your surgeon.
If you’re the type to be extra careful, you could also search up medications that could clash with your current medications to bring up with your surgeon just in case you have concerns about the medications and anesthesia they might use.
Tip #5: Get a Second Opinion
This is a common practice and definitely advised for major surgeries.
It’s usually a good idea to consult another specialist in your condition and ask for their professional medical opinion about your options when it comes to surgery, or alternatives to surgery if you’re not comfortable with the idea of surgery.
Generally speaking, if two specialists concur that the best course of action is surgery, that may well be your best option. Even if they agree, their approach to how they would conduct the surgery may differ. Do ask about their approach too, and what their experience has been carrying out the procedure with previous patients.
However, if their opinions differ, then it’s up to you to decide whose opinion you trust and which course of action you’d prefer. Ultimately, it’s your life and your body. Only you can make the decision, whatever it is that you decide would be best for you.
The second opinion should help you cover more bases as far as information goes to making your decision. You could even seek a third opinion, but most people really only need two.
Post-Surgery
Tip #1: Line-Up Caregivers
If you’re just undergoing a minor surgery or keyhole surgery, this may not apply to you.
However for major procedures such as total knee replacement, it’s good to think about professional care for the critical period of your recovery. You could opt to recover in care facilities or hire home-based caregivers to assist you in your recovery if you prefer to recover in the comfort of your home.
Of course, it might be stressful to look for them only after the surgery. Caregivers are high in demand, so this is best explored before surgery so everything is lined up nicely for you right out of the operating theater.
Tip #2: Stock Your Pantry & Freezer
Most patients underestimate this advice, but It’s important to eat healthy and clean for optimal recovery. It’s simple but plays such an important role in providing your body with the nutrition it needs to heal.
Prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables and plenty of fluids! If you have a dietician involved, then it would be best to ask if there are any dietary restrictions you should follow and which foods to consume more of. This differs vastly from case to case, be sure to check with your surgeon and/or dietician.
It’s also a good idea to consider meal plans if you live alone or if you’re otherwise unable to cook. Order ahead of time and keep your kitchen well stocked with healthy food at your fingertips!
Tip #3: Wear Loose Clothing
Dressing yourself can be difficult after surgery. Which is why as the general rule of thumb – choose clothing that feels soft, loose and easy to put on and take off by yourself. You’d want to focus on comfort and ease of getting dressed and undressed.
Loose-fitting pants with elastic waistbands and shirts with buttons that you can take off with one hand would be great options to prepare if that’s not typically your style. Slippers are also an excellent footwear option because you won’t have to wear socks or bend down to put them on or take them off for that matter.
It’s simple but would make a world of difference especially if you dislike relying on others to get dressed or live alone.
Tip #4: Limit Alcohol Consumption
We know some might consider alcohol as their chosen form of pain relief but we definitely do NOT recommend it as you might put yourself at risk of bleeding or liver damage if you had anesthesia.
Save the bottles for when you’ve made a full recovery. It will taste a lot better and you can thoroughly enjoy it. Just be sure to share it with friends and drink responsibly, alright?
Tip #5: Get Enough Exercise
It’s a common assumption that one shouldn’t move from the best after surgery. It’s not always what’s best – sometimes physiotherapy and exercise can begin right after the procedure.
Unless advised by your surgeon to minimize activity, it’s best to get muscles moving again to prevent atrophy and to regain your strength and mobility.
You should definitely have a conversation with your surgeon about physiotherapy and exercise before your surgery. You could draw up a physiotherapy plan to follow during your recovery for best results.
Bonus Tip: Make Lifestyle Changes
This is us looking even past the recovery stage; past the point where you’ve made a full-recovery.
Some surgeries can be life-changing. It can give you new mobility to do things you’ve not been able to do for a while and even give you the opportunity to live your life with new clarity.
Use your new health wisely, and take steps to improve your lifestyle. Eat healthier. Sleep more. Drink plenty of water. Reduce the stressors in your life. Exercise more. Quit smoking. Quit drinking. Do things that make you happy.
By changing your lifestyle for the better, hopefully you’ll never end up on an operating table again and instead use that health and money to do other things you love with your loved ones.
Final Thoughts
It’s really not as bad as you thought it would be, right?
Surgeries happen every day and new surgery techniques are developed with higher success rates every year. As long as we take precautions and communicate well with our surgeon, complications can be avoided and there’s little to worry about.
We wish you the best and hope to see you back on your feet in no time!