*Women health>>>Preparing for Surgery

What's the best way to prepare for surgery?

I am having spine surgery May 31st and i've never had surgery before. Any tips on how to prepare physically & mentally? For those who have had surgery (anywhere not just spine) how was recovery and pain etc. just need a few tips to ease my worries : )

I've had 13 surgeries and still have a couple more that I know I need to have done within the next 2 or 3 years. I have post polio syndrome and most of my surgeries have been on my feet, legs and knee. The ankle fusion was the absolute worst as far as pain because he had to cut off the ankle bone. The therapy for the knee replacement was the hardest but I knew if I didn't do them and push myself to meet the requirements, my knee might freeze up and I wouldn't have full use of it so I pushed myself and did more than was required and got very good results. Worry doesn't solve anything and will only make you sicker instead of making you better so do try to relax and not worry about things you can't control.

Pointers from my experience:

Follow instructions before surgery ~ don't eat or drink anything after the specified time the night before or you could get very sick during or after surgery. They usually tell me nothing after midnight but I cut myself at 9pm, especially if the surgery is early morning. Midnight is ok if your surgery is at 11am or after.

They will give you a shot when you first get ready in pre-op to help relax you so you may get drowsy and sleep until they come to take you to the OR. They will also insert a needle in the top of your hand for the IVs but that is just a small prick and you might feel a little sting but it's quickly over. That will stay in your hand for a day or two or more until you can handle eating and drinking on your own. With this type surgery, they may leave it in if you are there for several days and might even move it since they try not to leave them in one spot too long to prevent infections.

If they put you on the morphine drip, be careful about using it too often as many get sick from it and especially with this type surgery, you don't want to be vomiting every few minutes. I got very sick when I used it and so did my roommate who came in the day after me so we both asked our doctors to let us take the pills instead. They can also give you shots for the pain and they work alot faster than the pills so depending on your pain level, you can decide what you want to do with that.

Not sure what kind of therapy you will have to go through or when but it's very important to do exactly what they tell you so you can heal properly and keep you from having blood clots form in your legs. If they move through your body and go to your lungs, they can kill you. While you are in the bed, be sure and flex your toes up and down and slowly and gently rock your feet back and forth (do not lift legs), if you are able, to help prevent clots. They may also have someone move your legs up and down (slowly) but I doubt you will be able to do that without assistance. The doctor may not want you to do that right away but the therapist at the hospital will work with you and instruct you on what you can do.

You are going to hurt alot at first but grit your teeth and bear up and remember, it will get better day by day. Just try to be patient.

When you go home, take the pain pills as they are prescribed (every 4 hrs means every 4 and every 6 hrs means every 6) and if they give you exercises of any kind to do, be sure and do them so you continue to heal and keep your muscles strong. Don't wait for the pain to hit you before taking them, especially the first two or three weeks when you will be hurting the most. After that time period you can wean yourself off them and take them when less often, just enough to keep the pain at bay.

When you start feeling good, don't think you can do what you did before the surgery ~ take it slow. Your body takes time to heal and you can get tired very easily so listen to your body and when you need to rest, lie down and rest. That may be several times a day but that's ok ~ you aren't being lazy, you are healing.

Whatever you do, don't stay in the bed all the time or you could easily get pneumonia like my mother did. It's going to hurt and hurt alot when you have to get up and move but remember that every movement means you are helping your body to heal faster.

Will be keeping you in prayer as you have your surgery and as you recover and hope when you are able, you will let us know how you are doing. Take care and God bless. Source(s): sorry it's so long

Think of people who have had more severe operations and alls been ok.Be positive and believe in the hospital staff.You will be ok
Yes. Remain calm and don't think about it stay calm. Everything will be all right.
Ask your doctor not the majority of lame-brains that abound on these pages.
I just had my first surgery ever last Wednesday and I'm 20 years old. I know how you're feeling right now. Honestly, the worst part was the night before. When I got there the nurses and doctors made everything really comfortable. Once you wake up from the anesthesia, they make sure to give you adequate pain medication and some ice chips or gingerale. You'll do great!
Make your testament, just in case, jajaja, I am kidding.
Don麓t worry, everything will be good. Just don麓t panic. I had four surgeries and I still live. No problem. Maybe you will have nice company in your hospital. I sometimes really enjoy it. Like a little vacation. I recomend you, take some books and music with you, so you won麓t get bored.
good luck