How to Prepare for Back Surgery: Five Tips
By Brian Acton
If you have an upcoming spinal surgery or any other form of back surgery, you may be very nervous about the procedure. Just as important is the period of recovery thereafter, during which your mobility may be limited for weeks or even months. In order to improve the likelihood of a successful surgery and a successful recuperation, you will need to make sure you’ve covered your bases with all the necessary preparations.
Follow these steps to prepare yourself for a successful back surgery and recovery process:
Live a Healthy Lifestyle The better shape your body is in prior to back surgery, the easier your body will handle surgery. By reducing unhealthy behaviors and replacing them with healthy ones, you will be able to better prepare yourself for recovery. Physical exercise, a good diet, and quitting smoking can all go a long way toward setting your body up for a successful recovery. Because excess weight can put undue stress on a body, it’s recommended that you try to shed some pounds if you’re overweight, as well (without resorting to crash diets that deprive you of needed nutrients).
Pre-Surgery Prep Prior to your surgery, you’ll likely be given a checklist by your doctor to complete. If you take certain medications – such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medicine – you may have to stop those medications prior to surgery. You’ll also want to plan your anesthesia and surgery options with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend you donate your own blood to be available during the day of surgery. If your surgery results in excessive blood loss, that blood will then be ready for use. Finally, make arrangements with a friend or loved one to be available to help you out as you recover in the hospital, and take you home when you’re ready.
Proof Your Home Depending on the severity of your surgery and your reaction, you may be in the hospital for a period of time to recuperate post-surgery. Once you’re ready, you’ll be able to leave and spend your recovery time at home. It’s a good idea to “recover-proof” your home prior to your surgery. You will possibly have difficulty bending at the waist and reaching high shelves. You should place your necessities – such as cooking supplies or toiletries – within reach. A good pair of slip-on shoes will prevent you needing to bend to tie your laces. Stocking your freezer with prepped meals will also help you save time and effort in the kitchen without resorting to too much delivery and junk food. If your bedroom is upstairs in your home, you may want to consider temporarily sleeping downstairs floor until you can comfortably and safely climb stairs.
Prepare Mentally Recovering from back surgery can be a long process. Make sure you’re mentally prepared and completely understand the implications for your health and lifestyle. As you recover, you may be required or encouraged to undergo physical therapy or set personal goals – for instance, walking a greater distance each day. It’s important to prepare yourself for difficulty, pain, and adversity, especially in the first days and weeks after your surgery. Be sure to talk to your doctor so you fully understand what your recovery process will be like – and mentally prepare yourself for that process!
Personal and Professional Relationships If your back surgery may put you out of commission for a few weeks, make sure others understand what you’re going through. For a particularly tough recovery, your workplace will need to be aware of the potential for extended sick leave or the option to work from home. Your friends and family will want to know how you’re doing – both because they care about your well-being, and because they may wish to offer support. Finally, you may need help adjusting and recovering – so make sure you have a network of people that can help you as you get back on your feet.
Conclusion With these tips you can increase the chances of a smooth surgery and recovery process. When you’re on the mend, you’ll be glad you took the time to properly prepare for your procedure. Don’t neglect talking over the needed preparations you will need to make with your doctors and health professionals, as they will be able to give you custom recommendations based on your specific situation. With any luck and a lot of work, you will be back to normal in a relatively short period.
Sources http://www.ivanchengmd.com/preparing-for-surgery.php http://www.rothmaninstitute.com/landing/tips-before-and-after-preparation-for-spinal-surgery http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/preparation-back-surgery http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/cognitive-techniques-prepare-back-surgery