Surgery Preparation

Once you and your provider decide that surgery is the best option it is time to plan ahead for your procedure. 

First, identify any needs that you will need for the day of surgery and after.  Things to think about:

• If you are having general anesthesia you will not be able to drive after your procedure. You must have a ride arranged to take you home, most often this cannot be a taxi or rideshare option, it will need to be a person who is taking responsible for you once released from hospital. 
• It is standard practice that a responsible adult that has the ability to care for you must be with you for at least the first 24 hours following general anesthesia. For instance, if you are the caregiver of your spouse and they depend on you for daily needs, they can not be designated as your responsible adult. If you fall, can they pick you up? Can they call 911? This is an important detail that can often get missed.
• Will you need a translator? Ask how to have this arranged for you. You will need one for pre-op AND recovery.
• Practice BEFORE surgery. Ask your surgeon about mobility devices needed and exercises that you may be doing during recovery, practice with them beforehand so that you know how to do/use them properly.
• Do you need financial assistance for bills, equipment, medications, or therapies? Have this all organized before your surgery day.
• Helpful items: Several gel ice packs, sports drinks (if nauseated), and firm pillows (elevating limbs).
• Follow all the instructions given from your provider to prepare for surgery, including when to start/stop medications and food/fluid restrictions.
• Have your documents ready - Don't forget that medication list with last day and time you took EACH medication documented.
• Prepare any questions you may have for the surgeon, nurses, or anesthesia provider....if possible ask before the day of surgery.
• Ask to get your prescriptions before surgery - BUT do not take until after, you will not get a refill.
• Research alternative therapies that help with pain, nausea, and anxiety.
• KEEP IN MIND: SURGERY HURTS! - Prepare to have realistic expectations on postoperative pain. Since YOU WILL NOT BE PAIN-FREE at what point do you feel like you can manage your pain at home? Have a number in mind for your pre-op nurse (1-3 mild pain, 4-6 moderate pain, 7-10 severe pain) and every effort should be made to meet that goal.

Now it's time to shock your surgical team!

• Arrive prepared - No: make-up, lotions, deodorant, nail polish, chewing gum or hard candy (remember NOTHING by mouth). Do your prep (cleansing wipes, showers, bowel, etc.), remove all jewelry, contacts out, wear loose comfy clothes, leave valuables at home.
• Bring your documents, health diary and pen, glasses and denture cases, your mobility devices and something to keep you occupied if surgery is delayed (books, games, fidgety thingies).
• READ your consents carefully, if you have any questions, ASK!
• Empty your bladder in pre-op, women be sure to ask if a sample is needed FIRST.
• If your family is not with you in pre-op and surgery is delayed keep them updated via text/email. If you do not have your phone, ask your nurse to help we're usually happy to do so.

You did so good preparing and surgery is going great! How do you think your family is doing? Generally, staff tries to update family throughout the procedure and recovery. Usually it's just a phone call of the overall progress. The provider doing the procedure should call with details after the surgery is done, although this practice is hit-or-miss at times. Frequently calls to family go unanswered and direct to voicemail (probably cell coverage issues or spam filters), and guess what? If the voicemail message is generic....(enter robot voice here) "You have reached 555-5555 (we need a name folks) leave a message"....beeeep. Privacy and confidentiality compliance restricts what we are allowed to say. So prepare your family for this possibility.   

• Phase 1 Recovery:  This is where you will "wake-up" from surgery.  Nurses will closely monitor your vital signs, and observe for any possible complications (clearly listed on that consent you read so carefully). Pain and nausea will be treated here as well. If you have chosen to try alternative treatments let your nurse know and they'll try and accommodate you. Once you are stable, you will transfer to the receiving unit or to Phase 2 to discharge.

• Phase 2 Recovery: The bridge to heading home! Remember your realistic goal for pain control? You should be very close to that arriving here, and met prior to discharge. You, your nurse, and hopefully family will discuss discharge instructions, including dressing changes, activity, limitations, medication times, diet, etc. Here your medical devices, prescriptions, follow-up plan, and providers contact information should be verified. IF you have any final questions or concerns you'll want to address them now, before you discharge home.

You did it! You shocked your surgical team with all you're hard work preparing for surgery. Now time to rest and heal! Don't overdue!

Your responsible adult that is with you should keep a close eye on your incision or surgical dressing, and monitor times for medications. Nausea is quite common after surgery, so keep your diet light on the first day. If you're taking narcotics for pain, make sure you're having bowel movements, as these medications can make you very constipated. 

Make sure you get up and move, just short walks in the home, wiggle toes/fingers, rotate ankles/wrists, keep that blood circulating to help prevent blood clots (unless you have specific activity restrictions telling you not to, ask your nurse when discharging).

Many times patients and family don't remember the instructions discussed prior to discharge, READ your printed instructions. Most of your answers will be there, if not, call the provider office.