10 Ways to Prepare for Surgery
Are you ready for surgery?
In 2008, Lorette Lavine, 62, of Hinsdale, Illinois, learned she would need open heart surgery to repair a dysfunctional valve. The former nurse and social worker knew what she in for. Years ago, she did a stint at the recovery room at NYU Langone Medical Center, where she worked with patients who had just undergone heart surgery. "I would always say, 'I hope I never have to have this surgery,'" Lavine says with a laugh. Here's advice from Lavine and other experts on how to prepare your mind and body for surgery:
1. Be your best.
It's important to be in the best state of health you can be before your scheduled surgery, says Lavine, now a blogger on child and maternal health at Parenting In The Loop. In other words, if you don't regularly exercise, consider stretching or yoga. Both practices improve your core, arm and leg strength so you can get around a little easier once you're in recovery or back home. Getting enough rest and eating well will also help you cope once the surgery is complete.
2. Familiarize yourself with the surgery.
Samira Beckwith, president and CEO of Hope Healthcare Services in Fort Myers, Florida, says knowing what you're up against is half the battle. "Understand the expected outcomes and risks from credible sources, not blogs," Beckwith says, adding that your health care team will provide you with any information you need. The point is to get as much accurate information as possible. "Fear of the unknown definitely leads to stress situation," she says. Try to close the information gaps you may have with your doctor so you're not left wondering, "What if ..."
3. Speak up.
Addressing your fears with your doctor or medical team goes hand-in-hand with understanding the ins and outs of the surgery itself. Know that your worries are important no matter how silly you think they are. "Talking about concerns can calm you before surgery," Lavine says. Even if you've learned all about the surgery, it's important to know what to expect if you've never been in a pre-operation room or postoperative recovery room. Have your health care professional walk you through each step so there are no surprises.
4. Learn about anesthesia.
You might not meet your anesthesiologist until the moment he or she asks you to count down from 10, but you can familiarize yourself with how it -- or should we say you -- will be going down. "It's scary because a lot of times we've used 'going to sleep' as a euphemism for dying, like 'putting the dog to sleep,'" Beckwith says. Reading other patients' accounts of anesthesia isn't necessarily helpful, since they may vary from your experience. Your surgeon or anesthesiologist will be happy to explain the details. All you have to do is ask, Beckwith says.
5. Ask about your diet.
Once you've scheduled your surgery, ask if your diet will need to change in the days leading up to the procedure. Some surgeries require fasting or a liquid bowel prep, while others require no adjustments. Those involving the bowels, gallbladder or weight loss require a change in diet both before and after based on the type of nutrition your body needs going forward. Your surgeon may tell you to stay away from certain foods or drinks, such as food packed with sugar or alcoholic beverages, so you recover more quickly.
6. Know what to expect after surgery.
Oral surgery will have you home in time for dinner, but a knee replacement might mean staying at the hospital for up to five days. Cardiac surgery could lead to a two- to six-week hospital stay, followed by a rehabilitation program. Ask how much pain to expect, what types of medication will help the most, when you can return to regular physical activity, if you'll need to see a physical therapist, how to transition back to a work environment and if you'll need someone to stay with you after surgery. Also, make sure you have someone to drive you home or help you with public transportation, Lavine says.
7. Practice relaxation techniques.
Yoga helped Lavine gain much-needed core strength ahead of her open heart surgery -- and it also provided stress relief. The America Yoga Association says yoga helps people access an inner strength to face overwhelming fears, frustrations and challenges, like preparing for a surgery. You don't have to go to a gym to master these techniques; search online for instructional videos about breathing exercises, yoga and meditation techniques.
8. Plan for medications.
Beckwith says knowing what type of medications you'll need immediately after surgery can relieve some of your stress. Ask your surgeon or prescribing doctor which medications you'll need afterward and if he or she can call the prescriptions or home health equipment into the pharmacy ahead of time. "I wish more doctors would do this, so I always suggest it to the individual or family of the person having surgery," she says. When you or a loved one are in pain, you'll want to have the medication you need by your side.
9. Prepare your home.
Before you head out the door, consider what kind of shape you'll be in when you return home. You may need help from a social worker to prepare meals or get around. Will you need special equipment for your home? Your health care team can help you determine if that's the case, Lavine says. "If you know you've got several days of rest ahead of you, maybe you'll make sure there are extra pillows to sit upright, or if you're worried about stumbling, clean up so there's no clutter," she says. If needed, make sure someone is available to help you.
10. Pack a bag.
Once your home is prepped for your return, consider what you'll need if you're going to be in the hospital or rehabilitation facility for a long time. "Hospitals can be quite lonely when you wake up in the middle of the night," Lavine says. If you're attached to your phone or tablet, don't forget to bring those items and their chargers. Technology can keep you connected to loved ones who might be awake to chat when you're lonely, she says. Here are 11 items to pack in your hospital bag.
Samantha Costa is a Health + Wellness reporter at U.S. News. You can follow her on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at scosta@usnews.com.
