Getting surgery, whether it be a major or minor one, is scary for many. It can be painful at first, but it is a corrective procedure, and you are going to recover from it. If you forego it, your health problems will persist. To ease your worries, there are suggestions for what you can do before you face the surgical light tool.
Initial Preparations
When you learn that you need to have surgery, do not worry. Your doctor and various other hospital personnel will make sure that you are well informed once they let you know of your schedule. You will get to know the team who will take care of you before, during, and after the operation. Despite that, knowing that you need to go under the knife is still a lot to take in.
Some operations need to be done urgently, so there won’t be much time for preparation for the patient. But if you are one who is scheduled to have the procedure in a few days, here are ways to spend that time to prepare you better:
Take a break
If possible, give yourself a day or two of free time before surgery. Take a break from work or have a quick vacation. Use this time to prepare yourself better. Go over your checklists, read about the procedure that you’re having, shop for things that you might need during your stay at the hospital.
Spend this time with your loved ones. If you have made plans with them with regard to the procedure, talk about it. Go over them again and make sure that everyone knows what their roles are and what they need to do. It would also help if you wanted to open up to them about your fears. They are your support system, after all. On the surgery day, you will be free of worries.
Eat right
It is okay to give yourself your favorite snack, but do not overdo it. Avoid binging on food thinking that you will be having some of your last meals. You have to look forward to a successful surgery. Eating right makes you feel right. Not only will eating healthy prepare your body for surgery, but it will also help your body recover.
Get fit
Even when asleep or sedated, you will still experience stress during surgery. Working out not only alleviates your anxieties but also strengthens the body. This way, it should be able to withstand the procedure. The amount and intensity of your exercise should be just enough for you to feel energized but not too tired. Do not strain yourself too much to avoid injury.
Relax and meditate
Clear your mind of worries. Think of how the operation will improve your health. Visualize yourself as if you’re well on your way to recovery. A calm body means a good heart rate. This reduces the chances of surgery complications.
Having surgery is not the end of the world. Instead, consider it as getting another lease on life. Just keep in mind that it will result in a healthier you, and all will be fine.
