Going under the knife (or just going under, as many surgical procedures don’t involve much knifing anymore!) can be a daunting prospect. Here are some tips to help you prepare mentally and physically if you or someone in your family is preparing to undergo surgery.
- Be as informed as possible. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! You may want to know about anesthesia, recovery time, hospital stay, pain management, and follow-up procedures.
- Be as honest as possible. Talk to your doctor about your health — especially other health issues that may present challenges during or after surgery.
- Focus on the long-term benefits but be realistic about the short-term. Discomfort you may experience after surgery will hopefully be offset by future good health!
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support. Surgery is a scary, stressful prospect for many people! Ask friends and family for the emotional support you need — “Please don’t be afraid to call and check in on me!” or “I would rather not be alone right now, can you sit with me for a while?” And you may need physical assistance, too. Friends and family who want to help may be able to offer cleaning, cooking, or childcare services. It’s not always easy to ask for help, but find a way.
- Remember that distractions can be useful. Plan fun stuff for the days before surgery so you don’t have to sit around worrying about what’s going to happen.
After your surgery, you may have a long recovery ahead. Make sure you understand post-op instructions, and don’t be shy about calling your doctor if you have any questions or confusion. Keep an eye out for signs of complications (like infection). Most importantly: don’t push yourself. Nobody bounces back instantly from surgery. Healing takes time.