Undergoing a major surgical procedure can be an overwhelming experience. There is so much to think about: how will you finance the surgery, when will you get back to work, and who will take care of your obligations while you heal? Preparing for your surgery is essential to ensure you can put your mind at ease. Whether you’re scheduled for elective surgery or facing unavoidable medical intervention, these five tips will help you prepare yourself for the surgery.
1. Speak Frankly with Your Medical Team
It is essential that you understand all the risks that are involved in the planned surgery. According to Wilson & McQueen PLLC, about 4,000 surgical errors happen annually in the United States. It is important that you understand what risks you are facing and what steps you can take to prevent some of the risks.
It is important that you understand how you will finance the surgery and the resulting hospital stay. Medical expenses can really put a dent in your finance. Ask questions about what your insurance will cover. It is important that you get clarity about how you will navigate your financial picture before, during, and after the surgery.
2. Prepare Your Home
Get your house together before your surgery date. It’s important that you plan for your home after surgery. You may need help caring for your home, pets, kids, and more. It is important that you make all these arrangements well in advance of your surgery date.
About 23.83 million Americans play golf, according to Golf Digest. If your family members are golf players, they will need advance notice that you need their help. Scheduling support ahead of time will ensure that you reduce some of the stress associated with worrying about your obligations.
3. Plan for Transportation
You must arrange a ride to and from the surgery site. If your finance allows, you can hire a car if you need to, to get there. You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital. You won’t be able to drive yourself to the hospital or the surgery center will not release you unless you have a ride.
When you arrange for transportation for your surgery date, you may also want to arrange transportation for your children’s recovery period. Unfortunately, life doesn’t stop while you are on the mend. Children will still need to get where they need to go.
4. Meal Prep
Start preparing meals in advance of your surgery date. Ask your medical team if there will be a dietary restriction. According to FitforLife, about 45 million Americans go on a diet every year. Your diet changes may be forced after surgery. Prep meals that are easy to heat up and that will support your dietary restrictions.
Preparing food ahead of time is easier to finance than ordering food during your recovery period. Of course, if you have a family to care for meal prepping, it will make it easier for everyone to have a home-cooked meal. Meal prepping can help to ease some of the stress of recovery.
5. Follow Instructions
You may be given specific instructions on what you can and can’t do both before and after your surgery. Follow the instructions to a tee. If you are instructed not to eat for 24 hours before the surgery, don’t eat. Whatever instructions you are given to prep for your surgery, even if they sound outlandish, you should follow them.
What you do before your surgery is just as important as what you do after your surgery. There is a reason your medical team has given you the pre-op instructions. Those instructions play a role in the success of your surgery.
Any type of surgery can be stressful. Careful pre-op planning can help to reduce stress. To be better prepared, learn more about navigating finance, support, and the emotions surrounding your surgery.