Medicine has undeniably reached incredible heights, so today, surgeries are extremely common. However, no matter how much you trust your doctors, the idea of having to undergo surgery is still a very scary one and you may find it difficult to accept it. Still, you need to be in the right state both physically and mentally when you enter that surgery room for the best chances at swift recovery with no complications. If you are faced with an upcoming surgery, here’s how to prepare yourself.
Inform yourself
Sometimes, the source of our fear is uncertainty. When we don’t fully know or understand something, our minds tend to fill in the gaps, and if we are feeling anxious, it might not do so with the utmost optimism. This is why getting informed is such an important part of preparing for surgery. Getting informed certainly does not mean going on google and looking up every possible outcome. Sit down with your doctor and get the answers to your questions directly from them. Once you fully understand what is going to be done and why you will be able to face it with a clearer mind.
Look at it positively
While you may be anxious about going under the knife, you probably also understand that this is a necessary step. When you stop looking at your surgery appointment as a dreaded event and instead, look at it as a starting point to a better life, your mindset will shift. Try to look at it positively and trust that everything will go well. There’s no point in worrying about things that may not even happen, is there?
Keep in shape
Sticking to a healthy lifestyle is always important but especially so when you need your body to be in the best shape possible for the upcoming surgery. Nurture your body with a healthy diet, stay hydrated, exercise, and get plenty of rest.
Plan ahead
While the surgery itself may not take more than a few hours, you need to account for the preparatory and recovery periods as well. Having appropriate arrangements in place for the period after surgery when you may not be able to do certain things yourself will remove a lot of stress from the equation. Organize your finances: will you be off work for a while? You may need to prepare some savings to cover for it. Do you have some commitments that can very well wait? Postpone them now and you won’t even have to think about them.
Rely on your support system
It’s important that you don’t try to handle all of this alone. Everyone needs a support system, especially during such a time. So, don’t feel reluctant to reach out; your friends and family will not see it as a burden and will readily do anything that might make it easier for you. Do you need someone to take care of the kids for a while? Or do the grocery rounds? Perhaps you just need someone to vent to? Don’t keep it all in.
Mind the instructions
Your doctor and the medical staff will give you detailed instructions about what you must and mustn’t do prior to your surgery, and needless to say, following these instructions is paramount. This does not only pertain to fasting before the procedure. Those getting brain surgery in Brisbane will also be instructed to stop taking any blood-thinning medication as early as 7-14 days before the procedure. Once again, your most reliable source of information here is your doctor, so take notes!
Make it comfortable
Part of planning ahead is also thinking about your needs in the post-surgery recovery period. Small arrangements can mean a lot here. Your doctor will inform you about what you can expect during recovery. So, for instance, if you may experience swelling, having ice at hand at all times is going to alleviate your discomfort. Prepare plenty of painkillers and any other medication that your doctor recommends. Making it a little easier on yourself will mean a lot when it comes to a smooth recovery!
Read more: Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons
Prepare anxiety relief
The hours before the procedure itself can be nerve-wracking, so it’s a good idea to bring your own anxiety relief along. Put on some relaxing music or use aromatherapy to relieve some stress. It’s also important that you’ve got plenty of sleep the night before.
