If you are having elective surgery or your healthcare provider has prescribed it for you, there are a few things to take into account both before and after the operation.
It is essential to speak to your doctor and healthcare team about these queries. They can explain them in an accessible and understandable manner.
What to Expect
Surgery is an integral part of treating your health condition or injury. A successful procedure can result in faster healing times and a superior quality of life.
Your surgical team will assist you in prepping for your procedure and providing the best recovery experience. They may ask you to fill out a medication and allergy list, discuss any special diet plans or pain medicines with you beforehand.
At your surgery appointment, you will meet with either an anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). They can administer medicine to help you relax and numb the area where surgery will be done.
After surgery, you may experience fatigue, muscle aches or nausea. These side effects are common and usually go away after a few days.
Preparation
Before having surgery, you must prepare both physically and psychologically. Physically, follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding fasting and medications; you may even require lab testing before the procedure.
Prepare yourself as much as possible before having surgery, according to Piedmont Physicians orthopaedic surgeon Russell Flint. By taking these steps as soon as you think you might need one, Piedmont Physicians orthopaedic surgeons can ensure the most successful outcomes from the procedure.
Mentally, you should prepare yourself for the procedure by practicing relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. You could also listen to music, read a book or use guided imagery and scent therapy as ways of de-stressing before the procedure.
The Day of the Surgery
On the day of surgery, you and your family should take time to prepare for it. Our team will guide you through each step to make it as stress-free as possible for you.
Your presurgical nurse will take your blood pressure and answer any queries about the procedure and your health. You will then be instructed to take off all jewelry and body piercings for safety.
After changing into a hospital gown and having your vital signs checked, an IV will be administered. You’ll then meet with both your surgeon and anesthesiologist for further consultation.
Once your doctor confirms the operative site and answers any remaining questions, you will be taken to the operating room. You’ll be placed on a bed and monitored by nurses throughout the procedure.
Your anesthesiologist will administer medication that induces sleep, helping you to drift off and remain asleep throughout the procedure. After being awakened by your anesthesiologist, you’ll be taken to a recovery area for further assessment.
Recovery
After having surgery, you will receive instructions on how to heal and return to normal activities. Depending on the type of procedure and individual needs, this could involve extensive physical rehabilitation, rest or simply changing up your schedule for a few days.
During this stage, your body begins to regenerate new tissue – a process known as proliferative healing. It may take several weeks or even months for this phase to fully take place.
Recovery from surgery is an intricate and crucial process. Studies have demonstrated that improved recovery pathways can reduce surgical trauma, postoperative pain, hospital stay and readmission rates while improving clinical outcomes.
After your surgery, you will be transported to the recovery room where nurses and other healthcare professionals can monitor you closely. They may give advice about what foods and drinks to consume as well as ways to move around safely in order to decrease the risk of blood clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis).
