Discussing your surgical procedure not only helps you understand what is being done, but also helps you understand what to expect. Being prepared mentally and physically correlates with a successful outcome, ensuring a quick recovery with few complications.
Please discuss the following at your preoperative visit:
- Medications taken daily, including over the counter medications
- Major medical problems including but not limited to the following:
- Heart
- Lung
- Easy bruising/bleeding
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- History of blood clots
- Smoking, alcohol intake and/or recreational drug use
- Cease or reduce prior to surgery
- Active infections
- All active infections must be resolved prior to elective surgery
- Any tooth, bladder, stomach and/or bowel problems
- Arranging help with activities of daily living
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Laundry
- Grocery shopping
- Preparing your home for after surgery
- Shower chair
- Bandage covering to prevent it from getting wet
- Picking up cords, loose carpeting and/or anything to prevent falls
- Resting accommodations for easy standing and sitting
Keep in mind that the surgical facility will contact you with further questioning. They will want details about your medical history and previous anesthesia. They will advise you when to stop drinking/eating, what to wear, when to arrive – along with anything pertinent to make this experience pleasant and less stressful. Surgery is a team effort and they are just as concerned about you as I am. All information taken is used to determine what is best for you and your safety.
