If you’ve ever had surgery or have been told that you need surgery, you know that anxiety and worry can happen long before the actual procedure. Taking a few smart steps before an operation can help you avoid surgical complications and cut down the pre-operative stress. By knowing what to expect, you’ll be able to go through pre-surgery preparations with a calm mind.
Think through your options.
o Is surgery your only choice or are there alternatives?
o If you do need surgery, do you need it now or can you — and should you — wait?
o Are there different surgical procedures to choose from?
o Discuss details of your treatment options with your doctor, scheduling more than one consultation if necessary.
Select an Experienced Surgical Team
o Choose an experienced surgeon and a facility that specializes in performing operations for your particular condition.
o In addition to working with a qualified surgeon, schedule your procedure in a hospital or surgical center that does a high volume of the surgical procedures you’re having.
In the time leading up to your surgical procedure, be sure to take good care of yourself and follow your doctor’s advice.
o Surgery puts stress on the body, so the stronger you are physically, the better you’ll handle it.
o Get enough sleep.
o Eat a healthy diet.
o If you smoke, stop for at least two weeks prior to your surgery.
o Follow your doctor’s directions when it comes to taking or stopping medications before your operation.
Prepare your home and make arrangements for when you are recovering.
o Ready your home, including preparing food and rearranging furniture if necessary.
o If necessary, arrange for someone to take care of your children while you are in the hospital.
o Arrange for help at home after discharge, if you will need some time to recover.
If you have been told you need surgery or have a condition for which surgery is recommended, Dr. Matthew Johnson is an experienced general surgeon. Schedule a consultation to learn about your options.
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Matthew Johnson MD, FACS 