What do I need for My Surgery?

Getting a diagnosis can be hard. Especially if it is causing you to have physical and mental health problems. Which causes some people to decide to have surgery. For those who are thinking about surgery or have one scheduled, this post will help you to find out what you need to do. I will go over the things you need to do before, during, and after surgery. I am also including products you may need. 

What to do Before Surgery 

You may wonder what do I need to do before surgery. Many tasks await you during a hospital stay. 

Ask your doctor questions. 

Make sure your doctor, anesthesiologist, and medical, physical are qualified to handle your medical procedure. Make sure your doctor, anesthesiologist, and medical physical have the qualifications to handle your medical procedure. 

Ask your anesthesiologist and pain management about how they can help you if you experience pain during and after the procedure. They should inform you of what they will do to help you. 

Discover their emergency procedures and protocols for your surgery or any upcoming event. 

At your pre-op ask your doctor what you should do before surgery. Please ensure your knowledge of pre-surgery restrictions. Doctors may ask you to stop taking certain prescriptions or doing activities. For example, doctors will ask you not to eat or drink after a certain period.  Try to eat healthy and have health practices before surgery. This may mean stopping drinking or smoking before your procedure. Getting a good amount of sleep and rest will also help you to get through your procedure. 

Tell them to walk you through the procedure. How they will prep you and how long it may take. Share your medical history and your family’s as well. Bring a list of medications you take. Let them know about any fears or reservations you may have about the treatment. It is better to be honest because they are there to help you. 

Find out how long your recovery may be and what may occur during recovery. Get their contact information so you can call them if you have any problems at home. They will let you know what to do. 

Your doctor will ask you if you have anyone to drop you off and pick you up on the day of surgery. If the person cannot stay, make sure you know when they should arrive to pick you up throughout the surgery.

Find out your medical bill 

Before the procedure, ask for an estimate of the price from the hospital or medical clinic. Contact your insurance to see how much they are going to pay for your medical treatment. If you cannot afford the care, apply for charity services or make payment arrangements. 

Inform your employer

If you don’t work for yourself, contact your employer. Let them know how long you be out. If they require a doctor’s note, you can get one from your physician. Your physician does not have to tell what type of surgery you had but can tell how long you have to recover. 

Get your prescriptions

Whatever prescriptions you need for you after your surgery, your doctor will call them in. Ask your doctor how and when to take your pills. If it is time to get the other medication that you normally take, pick those up as well. Always contact your doctor to find out when you can take your everyday prescriptions.

Pay your bills 

Pay any of your bills beforehand. No one wants to think about bills while trying to recover from surgery. For bills you want to pay later, set them on auto-pay or make payment arrangements. 

Get groceries. 

Get food that will help you help your body to recover. If you are having abdominal surgery, you may need items to help your digestive system. It will be best to eat items that are bland after your surgery. Broth or clear soup will be the best thing to eat. Also, rice, saltine crackers, or graham crackers are good for those who are experiencing nausea.

 Stay clear from spicy or heavy foods. Stick to a clear liquid like apple juice, clear Gatorade, ginger ale, or white grape juice. Also, ask your doctor and anesthesiologist what the best foods are to eat before and after surgery. 

Stop your mail  

For those who are staying for days at a hospital, it is best to have your mail stopped. You can also have a friend or family member hold on to your mail until you return home. 

Clean and organize your home

Clean up your home before you leave the hospital. Do a few days before going. Ask for help if you need it. Make sure to do your laundry and take out your trash before leaving. 

Pet or plants

Have someone that can take care of your pet or plants. They can come by your home and check on them or take them to your place. It is up to you to figure out what would work best. 

This post contains affiliate links from Collective Voice in which I earn a small commission if you click the links or products. I also earn a commission if you purchase any of the products.  

What to pack 

Before surgery, you may need to pack items to take to the hospital. If you are staying for a day, you will need more than someone staying overnight. Ask the doctor or nurse what you will need. I have included a list of items you may need. 

Chapstick 

Socks 

It can really get cold in the hospital. You will need a pair of cozies. 

Books 

Bring your favorite books or magazines. Just in case you get tired of watching TV.

What to do on the Day of Surgery 

Wear Comfortable Clothes

Wear a big T-shirt and baggy pants. You will need to be as comfortable as you can. After surgery, you will be sore and will need something easy to take on or off. 

Don't apply lotions and perfumes

You will be able to take a bath, but you cannot apply lotions or perfumes to your body. 

Leave Valuables at Home 

Any jewelry that you normally wear needs to be left at home. 

Bring a friend or family member 

This person will drive you after the procedure. They may have to sign a form stating that they are the ones who are going to drive your home. This person or people will be the ones the doctors will notify about your procedure and your aftercare. 

What to do After Surgery 

Discover what you need to do to take care of your incision sight. Make sure the doctor tells you how your incision should look and feel. 

But you may wonder if I need to help me recover from surgery. There are things you may already have in the house that you can use. There may be things that you can buy as well. 

Bathrobe

You may spend a lot of time just in your bathrobe. The reason is because it is comfortable and less likely to touch your incision site.  Get one that is comfortable. Also, invest in comfortable underwear. 

Cane or walker 

This is helpful for those who have had foot, leg, or back surgery. It is helpful for those who have abdominal surgery. Using these aids will help you to safely walk around. 

Nightgown 

Something you can easily pull over your head. Wearing a nightgown is beneficial for those had chest or abdominal sugary. 

Sweats

Once you get better you can wear different clothing. Sweats will be easier to put on and off than most clothing. Plus, it is less tight and will not hurt you. 

You cannot have anything touching your stomach if you had abdominal surgery. Get sweats with no elastic. Ones that you can simply pull on. 

Comfortable shoes 

It is best to wear the most comfortable shoes when you are recovering. Find the ones with the best support and are easy to get on. 

Pillows 

A body pillow will help you to be able to sleep comfortably. If you add abdominal surgery, you can place a body pillow in between your needs. Two or three pillows behind your back will also help you to sit up when you need to. 

Dry shampoo 

After a few days of surgery, it may be difficult for you to take care of your hair. It would be hard to stand up in the shower and do your hair. That is when dry shampoo comes in. This allows you to clean your hair without straining yourself. 

Soapy cloths

These cloths will help you if you cannot get into the shower or tub yet. Just add a little bit of water and you can wash yourself. 

Grabbers 

Grabbers are ads that allow you to pick small things up without bending done. This will allow you to have some independence and not have to wait for others to help you retrieve items. 

Socks 

Socks are excellent if you are unable to wear shoes after surgery but don't want your feet touching the cold floor. 

 Sanitary Napkins and incontinence pads

Sometimes certain types of surgeries may have to do with incontinence. To prepare yourself for this may incontinence pads and pads for your sitting area.

Use your ice pack. 

Icepack can be used on joints, spine, or extremities that may be sore. Place a clean cloth between the ice pack and your skin. Do this on and off. Always consult your doctor before doing it. 

Bandages

You may have to apply bandages to your incision site. Always ask your physician what bandages are the best and when to apply new bandages. They will also tell you how and when to clean your wounds. 

Get out of bed

Your doctor may have advised you to walk around. This will help your digestive system and prevent blood clots. Do it for the amount of time you feel like it or what your doctor informed you to do. 

Indulge in your hobbies.

Only if you are up to it spend this time drawing or painting. You can also do other activities like reading or watching your favorite shows. You play games. Do whatever you feel comfortable and like doing. 

Get your rest!

Try to get as much rest as you can. Take naps or at least lie-down. 

Find out when you have your checkup 

The doctor will schedule an appointment to check your incision site. They will make sure that everything looks okay. They will ask you questions about how you have been feeling or if you have experienced any pain. Tell them any symptoms, reactions, or problems you may had. 

Conclusion,

Having surgery is not easy but when you know how to prep and to get through it makes it better. Take your time recovering and ask for help when you need it. Make sure to follow your doctor's order and let them know if you need help. 

More posts to help you with physical and mental health: 

Affordable Self- care activities

How to Prevent Burnout

Ways to recharge your physical and mental health

How to put yourself first

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