Anticipating an upcoming surgery can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed. If you have been dealing with an orthopedic issue, surgery may be the only way to resolve it. While your team of doctors will provide you with plenty of resources and understanding, reading even more about what to expect can be helpful.
At South Shore Orthopedics, we have been through plenty of surgeries and know the ins and outs of the process. Do you have a planned orthopedic surgery soon? Here are some of our team’s tips to prepare ahead of time!
1. Place Things Within Easy Reach
Patients will have difficulty getting around the house after surgery. Commonly used objects (cooking utensils, remote controls, phone chargers) should be left in easy-to-access areas. Placing these at a torso height will limit bending to the ground or reaching high.
2. Purchase A Toilet Riser
A toilet riser sits on your toilet seat. This will make it easier to sit on the toilet, lessening the need to bend your hips, knees, and back when going to the bathroom. We can provide resources to help you find the optimal choice.
3. Stop Smoking
Smoking has many harmful effects on your health; nicotine is of utmost concern for surgical patients. Nicotine interferes with wound healing and bone healing, potentially leading to surgical complications. It is recommended you stop smoking before all Orthopedic surgeries.
4. Have Slip-on Shoes On Hand
Bending over is difficult after many orthopedic surgeries. Slip-on shoes make it easier to put on shoe ware and avoid asking someone else to help.
5. Know Your Surgery
Ask questions, and understand the surgery and recovery process. Your surgeon should provide educational information to help familiarize you with the process. This will also help reduce frustration and anxiety.
6. Prepare Meals
Easy-to-prepare meals will be necessary for the immediate days following your surgery. Stocking your freezer with pre-cooked meals is encouraged. Cooking can be a daunting task in the early days of recovery. Your family and friends would probably love the opportunity to help, and this is a great way to incorporate them.
7. Get A Grabber
This lightweight tool can help patients pick up hard-to-reach objects. This can give you back a sense of independence often lost post-surgery. Help from others is excellent, but this also allows you to get things for yourself.
8. Meditate
Great for reducing stress, staying in the moment, combatting thoughts that you ‘should be doing better,’ and breaking negative thinking patterns! You can focus on recovery, instead of being stuck in the stressful thoughts of the surgery.
9. Donate Blood
This is a precaution and not necessary. Most surgeries are done safely without the need for blood transfusions. However, it is an excellent option if you have a rare blood type, there are shortages in blood supplies, or religious considerations.
10. Review Medications And Supplements
Ensure you are aware of all medications and supplements you take regularly. Some therapies can affect bleeding or interfere with anesthesia. Having an up-to-date list of medications is critical to share with your surgeon.
Get Treatment Through South Shore Orthopedics
Working with a doctor you trust is an important part of the upcoming surgery process. Patients have trusted our team for years to give them the utmost care. Looking to get a consultation about your orthopedic issue? The South Shore Orthopedics team is here to help. Contact our team today to get started!