Preparing for surgery

Surgery during an health conundrum is a big deal.  The more surgeries we have the more at risk our bodies are and slower recovery periods we tend to have.   If it’s not emergency surgery then the surgery itself is usually planned a good chunk of time in advance.   The person preforming it will speak about the procedure, benefits and risks.  The patient then leaves the office stunned with the overwhelming amount of knowledge consumed in the appointment.  Usually scared, some need to sit and obsorb before going about their daily routine. If it has hit hard - and you’re heading back to your daily activities think - am I going to be productive and useful?  Should I continue on or should I call in and head home?  Everyone is different and handles the stress differently.  For me, I call in and give up on life.  I head to Chapters, buying a fancy drink at Starbucks and sip away while I browse the trashy magazines and books that I’m too thrifty to purchase.   I then pick up and style the gifts on sale, carrying them around like I own them then at the last minute realism kicks in and I put them back.   On my way home I ensure a catchy tune is on my music selection or a fun podcast is played. Discussing the surgery with your significant other, family or friend last is hard but it helps us to normalize and figure out our go to plan. After hymning and huwing, milling about while getting back into routine we come up with the best decision for ourselves.  Nobody but you can make the decision as you are the ones that will live with it for the rest of eternity.  Making the follow up appointment is next, ensuring a close date.   Usually I find if I state to the administrator that the reason is to discuss upcoming potential surgery the appointment is pushed ahead.  Gather your information, bring your questions and have an “other” attend the appointment with you to gather more detailed facts.  If it’s not possible, ask if the appointment can be taped or if you can write as discussed.  Some Drs will have consents ready to be signed and others will do this later. Once this is completed, a date is set with a phone call a month before surgery usually.   Pre op medical is completed by your GP then your good to go.   A pre admission date is when you can ask last minute questions.  Remember nothing is a dumb question.   At this appointment you’ll discuss your fitness for surgery and be given a time for the surgery as well as arrival time.   Don’t forget to pack socks, ear buds and your phone charger.   It will be ok.  Just breath and practice self care until the day of your surgery.