Whether it’s your first or fifth surgery, it is completely normal to feel uncomfortable or anxious in the days leading up to it. Spending time preparing for surgery would help you stay calm and ensure a smooth procedure overall.
One thing you should do prior to surgery is to educate yourself as much as possible about your medical condition. You can also ask your surgeon and medical team questions about anything surgery-related, including the risks involved, recovery time, and side effects. The more you learn about these things, the more you may feel at ease about going for surgery and the condition itself.
While you are consulting with your surgeon, it is also important to discuss your medical history and inform them if you have any medical conditions. In particular, you should inform them if you have a bleeding disorder, have been diagnosed with blood clots in the leg or lungs, are currently taking any blood thinners, have a heart or lung issue, have type 1 or 2 diabetes, have had a joint infection in the past, or if you are a smoker.
Your body requires proper nutrition to fight infection and heal following surgery, so it is also a good idea to watch your diet pre-surgery and ensure that you are consuming healthy, whole foods. Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamin C, helping boost the formation of collagen which is crucial for recovery and promotes healing. A high protein diet consisting of meat and eggs could also help in repairing and building new skin tissue post-surgery.
It is also recommended to remain as active as possible. Studies have shown that people with better fitness levels have a lower risk of experiencing complications during surgery. This is because your body would be conditioned to cope better with the stresses placed on it as a result of surgery. Moreover, your heart and lungs will have to work harder to help your body heal following surgery. Since regular exercise makes your heart and lungs stronger, keeping fit improves your chances of a better and quicker recovery after surgery.
If you have any other concerns or questions regarding your surgery, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon.
