General Surgery -- How to Prepare
Facing any type of General Surgery procedure, whether major or minor can be quite daunting. I've had a number of them myself. However I always approached the ordeal with faith in my Creator, myself and my surgeon. Fortunately the outcome's were positive because I prepared for each one as thoroughly as possible. I will discuss the typical preparations for almost any kind of General Surgery to help you prepare and enjoy a good outcome as well. At your appointment before your surgery, your healthcare provider will go over the instructions you should follow before the surgery. After the surgery, your provider will discuss instructions for care of your wound and recovery from the surgery. Be sure you discuss any questions or concerns you have about preparing for and recovering from the surgery. Instructions Before General Surgery Please arrive at the appointment time on time to avoid delays Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks before your procedure. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery. If you need a minor pain reliever in the week before any general surgery, choose acetaminophen rather than aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. This helps avoid extra bleeding during surgery. If you are taking daily aspirin for a medical condition, ask your provider if you need to stop taking it before your surgery. If you need to have any lab tests or X-rays before surgery, have them done at least 2 days before the day you have surgery. Bring your X-rays or test results with you. The evening before surgery have a normal meal. Do not drink any alcohol. After midnight the night before surgery do not eat or drink anything, and that includes water, food, chewing gum and candy. If you take medicines daily, ask your healthcare provider when you should take your last dose before surgery. If your provider wants you to take medication on the morning of your surgery, take it only with a sip of water. On the morning of your surgery, take a bath or shower. Do not bring valuables such as jewelry or money. Do not put on makeup, nail polish, acrylic nails, lotion, deodorant, or antiperspirant on the morning of your surgery. Wear comfortable clothes. Wear your eyeglasses or hearing aides if you have them. Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery if you expect to go home the same day as your surgery. Do not drive a car or operate machinery for 24 hours after your procedure, regardless to how well you feel after a minor surgery. Make arrangements to have help at home while you are recovering from the surgery. Follow any other special instructions your provider gives you. Instructions After General Surgery Ask your healthcare provider which of the following medicines you should use for pain: Ask your provider whether you should expect nausea and vomiting or other side effects and how you should treat them. Ice packs wrapped in a cloth or towel and placed on the area of pain may help the first 24 hours. Ask your provider how to care for your surgical wound. This includes knowing: Ask your provider if you need to limit your activity and for how long. Ask your provider when you should call about: fever greater than 100°F (37.8°C) bleeding worsening pain worsening swelling. Make your follow-up appointment according to your provider's instructions. Follow any other special instructions your provider gives you. Women Over 40 Health
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