Now you’ve got a date for your surgery, there’s a lot to think about. Give yourself time to go through the details and decide what help you may need with the physical, mental and emotional challenges ahead. Most importantly, get lots of rest and take good care of yourself.
Follow the advice of your healthcare professionals regarding your daily routine and whether you should make any changes to it.
You will probably have a pre-assessment health check prior to your surgery date or on the day itself. You’ll need your GP details, your medical history and a list of any allergies and medications. If you were given forms, bring them with you and provide emergency contact details.
Whether you’ve been booked in for a specific procedure or you have a choice of routes, there’s lots to discuss with your consultant or nursing staff. Take time to think through the questions you might ask. Keep a notebook or record notes to your phone, so you have clear reference points to refer to. You may wish to bring a friend or family member for support and to act as your note taker during meetings.
Let your surgeon know if you have any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or high blood pressure (hypertension) as these will need to be monitored in the weeks leading up to your procedure.
The lead up to an operation can be a worrying time. The NHS website’s Every Mind Matters page gives advice on mental wellbeing including support for stress and sleep problems or you could ask your pre-op team for advice on counselling.
There may be a helpline to chat to people who have gone through the same type of treatment as you.
Getting as much information beforehand will help you prepare and put your mind at rest. If you have private health insurance, ask your claims team for support and advice, that’s what they’re there for.
The main thing is to stick to a steady physical routine as this can greatly improve healing and recovery time. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to boost your immunity and maintain a good level of hydration.
Consult your medical team if you are worried about your BMI and the how your weight might affect your surgery and aftercare.
If you drink alcohol or smoke, you can also get help from healthcare professionals to cut down or stop as both can affect your body’s ability to heal well.
If you have the benefit of private healthcare, you may be able to choose where you are treated, have specially prepared meals and an en suite room in peaceful grounds with extended visiting hours.
Try to do some regular exercise such as yoga, walking, cycling, dancing or swimming. Listen to your body’s needs. Spend more hours in bed or take naps whenever you feel like it. Take particular care to keep warm if your treatment is booked for winter and wear comfortable shoes with a good grip. Add a few extra layers when you go for appointments as hospital corridors can feel chilly.
Depending on the type of surgery and any anaesthesia you've had, you may feel groggy and unable to move easily when you wake after the procedure. Listen to guidance of the nurses and only move around when advised.
Follow any gentle exercises you’ve been given and allow yourself lots of rest to aid full recovery. Maintain the same high level of nutrition as before your surgery.
If you need to stay in bed for a few days, get friends or family to help prepare meals and help you with washing and cleaning. Everyone needs extra help after having an operation, so don’t be afraid to ask.
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