A Comprehensive Guide On How To Prepare For Your Operation
So, you need surgery and you’re really nervous about it. Having a helpful guide to show you to prepare for your operation is key, so here ya go!
by Troop Atomic Mommy
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Having to undergo surgery is no easy thing, and for some, it’s their first time going under the knife. That’s why having a guide that shows you how to prepare for your upcoming surgery is key.
Whether it’s a minor outpatient procedure or a major operation, there are steps you can take to ensure that you’re as ready as possible for your surgery. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to do in order to prepare for your upcoming operation.
You should consult with a healthcare lawyer.
Surgeries come with a host of legal responsibilities. All the doctors, nurses, and technicians who are going to be working on you and with you have legal duties to you. But what happens if and when they mess up? Do you even know the ways they could mess up? These questions are difficult to hear, but it’s important you understand the answers to them.
So, talking to a healthcare lawyer is a crucial step to ensure you’re covered with any mishaps that could occur. See, if something does go wrong during your surgery, doctors, nurses, technicians, and hospitals are all trained to say that the errors are “normal” so you, the patient, doesn’t sue them. This is obviously an issue for patients in the cases that do cause harm or error. Here’s how a healthcare lawyer can help you.
Your healthcare lawyer can help you understand:
– Your insurance coverage and what it covers
– The informed consent process
– What to do if there are complications during or after the surgery
– What to do if there are injuries from the surgery
Your healthcare lawyer can help you navigate the hospital’s billing process and make sure that you’re not being overcharged for your care. They can also assist you if an injury occurs and share with you what your legal options are post-op.
Start gathering all of the necessary documentation.
Your surgeon will need your medical records in order to properly assess your case and make sure that you’re a good candidate for the surgery. If you’re not sure what records you need, ask your doctor to be specific. If your doctor isn’t sure or says you don’t need to provide any previous records, it is a good idea to get the doctor as many records as possible. Your medical records give your doctor a clear picture into your health. These documents can cover you legally in the case that an error or harm happens during your surgery. So here are a few you should be prepared to provide to your doctor.
Some of the documents you’ll need to provide include:
– A list of all medications that you’re currently taking
– All recent lab results
– Your immunization records
– A copy of your advance directive, if you have one
– Your insurance information
– Any treatments or illnesses you currently have or have had
If you don’t have some of these items, don’t worry- your doctor’s office or hospital should be able to help you obtain them.
Think about the logistics for day of surgery and post-surgery.
You’ll need to ensure that you have a ride to and from the hospital or surgery center, as well as someone who can stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery. If you live alone, this is an excellent time to ask a friend or family member to stay with you for a few days after your operation.
You should also make arrangements for any pets that you have, as you won’t be able to take care of them while you’re recovering.
And finally, if you have small children, now is the time to find a babysitter or arrange for them to stay with a relative while you’re in the hospital.
The last step is to start preparing your home for your recovery.
You’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need within easy reach, as you won’t be able to move around much immediately after your surgery. Even if it is a same-day surgery, where you’re in and out in one day, you may still be in pain for a period of time. This means that moving around, bending, going up and down stairs, could prove to be too much for you post-op. So, the best thing to do is get everything in order the way you like it, for ease of movement.
Some things you may want to have on hand include:
– Comfortable clothing and bedding
– Pillows for propping yourself up in bed
– A large water bottle or pitcher and cups
– Healthy snacks and meals that can be easily prepared
– Any medications that you take regularly
– Your phone, laptop, or tablet so that you can stay connected with friends and family
The Takeaway
Surgery is a big deal for anyone. It’s not something that can be ignored, at least not for too long, and eventually, you’ll need to prepare for it. Hopefully, if and when the days comes for your surgery, you can use the guide to help you have a successful outcome.
