It is important to actively prepare yourself for invasive surgery. The patient needs to take an active role in the process before a procedure as well as after.
Initially, you must be as open as possible with the surgeon. Make a complete list of all medications as well as herbs, vitamins and over the counter pain killer, including aspirin. Be clear about smoking and alcohol use. Choose a doctor you have confidence in, feel comfortable with, and can easily communicate with. Communication is a key to a successful outcome. Ask for the doctor’s credentials, ask about how many times he has done your procedure and continue to ask questions about your procedure until you feel very comfortable about the surgery. Also, ask about recovery. How long will recovery take, does anything at home need to be rearranged, will you need extra care at home? Ask about scarring, length of anticipated time in the hospital and pain control. If blood will be needed during surgery ask if you can donate your own ahead of time.
To mentally prepare try some relaxation processes, deep breathing, visualization, and positive thinking even using affirmations about how successfully everything will go. Before surgery eat nutritiously, do some exercising if possible, even walking. Mental and emotional preparation aids in a quick and easier recovery.
Keep your family informed, get their questions answered, let them know where important documents are located if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. Have an advanced care directive filled out. Then all your wishes will be carried out and the family knows what to do for you. Choose one family member to be liaison between the hospital and family.
Before signing the consent be satisfied that you have all the answers you need for a successful surgery and best recovery.