Whether it’s major or minor, undergoing surgery can bring up a lot of emotions like fear and uncertainty.
Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do to ease your mind, other than just showing up on the day of the surgery. You can try to understand what lies ahead and take steps to ensure the best outcome.
To help you, here are some helpful things to keep in mind to make your journey smoother and reduce stress.
Understand Your Procedure like Spine Surgery
Before heading into surgery, make sure you fully understand what the procedure involves. This includes why it’s necessary, what it aims to fix, and what the recovery process will look like. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have—they’re there to help you.
Researching your surgery online can also be helpful, but stick to reputable sources like medical websites or organizations. For example, if you’re considering spine surgery, understanding the potential benefits and risks, as well as the expected recovery time, can help you feel more prepared and confident.
Get a Second Opinion
Even if you trust your doctor, getting a second opinion is always a good idea when considering surgery. Another perspective can confirm the need for the procedure or suggest alternative treatments that might be less invasive.
A second opinion is especially important for major surgeries or conditions with multiple treatment options. If another specialist agrees with the diagnosis and treatment plan, it can give you peace of mind about moving forward.
Prepare Your Body for Surgery
Your physical health plays a big role in how well your body handles surgery and recovers afterward. If time allows, focus on improving your overall health before the procedure.
Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in light exercise (if approved by your doctor) can strengthen your body. If you smoke, quitting—even temporarily—can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Your doctor may also recommend specific steps, like stopping certain medications or vitamins that could interfere with the surgery.
Plan for Recovery
Recovery doesn’t start the day of your surgery—it begins with careful planning beforehand. Talk to your doctor about how long recovery will take and what kind of help you’ll need during this time.
For instance, will you need someone to drive you home, assist with daily tasks, or manage medications? Preparing your home in advance, like setting up a comfortable recovery space, can make post-surgery life easier. This is particularly crucial for surgeries like spine surgery, where mobility might be limited initially.
Understand the Risks and Benefits
Every surgery comes with risks, no matter how minor it seems. These can include infection, blood clots, or complications from anesthesia. However, the potential benefits often outweigh these risks when the surgery is necessary for your health.
Discuss these risks and benefits with your surgeon in detail. Understanding what’s at stake can help you make an informed decision and feel more in control of the process.
Follow Pre-Operative Instructions
Your surgical team will likely give you a list of instructions to follow in the days leading up to your procedure. These might include guidelines on when to stop eating or drinking, which medications to take or avoid, and how to prepare your skin for surgery.
Following these instructions is crucial for your safety. For example, eating too close to surgery could increase the risk of complications with anesthesia. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification to ensure you’re fully prepared.
