“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live in.” – Jim Rohn
Article Authors: Gordon Slater | Tandose Sambo
Preparation for Orthopaedic Surgery
While surgical procedures are often the path of last resort in orthopaedic treatments, for certain critical conditions, surgery will have to be the treatment option for effective long term health benefits to the patient. As a patient, in those instances where you are required to have a surgical procedure in order to fully heal, preparation will be the key to your success. Anticipating the experience will enable better care and improve your confidence.
As you get ready for your lifestyle change, it is always a good idea to engage with as many people as you can. In your consultations, it is always a good idea to carry someone with you, so that they can act on your behalf as a healthcare advocate.
What to expect in your Surgical Consultation
After preliminary analysis, your orthopaedic surgeon will identify that you are a candidate for orthopaedic surgery. It is a good idea for you to research your orthopaedic problem and have a discussion with your surgical team with respect to your course of treatment. There are few critical things that you and your orthopaedic team will need to know. These include:
- Your medical history. Ensure that you have a good understanding of when your condition began and how it has progressed thus far. Make note of any critical treatments you have had. Document your condition and ensure that you have all the relevant X-rays, Images, Operative Notes from previous procedures, as well as lab tests.
- Family History: There are some conditions that are genetically influenced, so ensure that they are noted. Allergies are important for you to note, so that appropriate medication can be prescribed during your treatment.
- Current Medications: The surgical procedure will often require the utilization of anaesthetic. Anaesthetics can have adverse reactions with certain medications, so ensure that your team is aware of what prescriptions you are currently taking, so that the treatment will be effective.
With the above information, relevant surgical planning will be optimized.
Planning For Your Surgery
Once all the surgical details have been discussed, there will be a date set for the actual surgery. Think positively about the experience, and imagine yourself as the healthier version of yourself once it’s completed. For the surgical procedure you will need:
- A primary contact person. This may be a spouse, family member or trusted friend. Some surgical procedures are conducted on the same day, and if you are anaesthetized, your primary contact will be able to ensure that you are taken home safely.
- Print copies of your current prescriptions, list of drug and food allergies and ensure the nurses are aware of your current conditions, so that the doctors and an aesthetician can be reminded before your surgery.
- Insurance documentation and any medical documentation critical to your treatment.
- Pack a hospital bag with essentials. Your hospital will let you know what you will need to carry with you. Carry items that will be critical to your hygiene during this time.
Once all the details are finalized, your surgical date will be planned and scheduled. As the procedure date is approaching a few critical points will be discussed with you, just to ensure that everything is in order. You will then be asked to sign a consent form that indicates that you are in agreement with the planned surgical procedure. The surgery will then be conducted.
What happens after your surgical procedure?
After your surgical procedure is the recovery phase. You may or may not have to stay at the hospital for a prescribed interval. Your surgical team will identify what the appropriate time will be, and enable you to receive the care that you need.
If you are in the hospital for a few days, ensure that you are being treated properly. Ensure that adequate standards are being maintained, so that you will not suffer from post-operative infections. Staff should ensure that they are clean prior to examining you. They should wash their hands prior to contact with you if you are going to be examined, or if your surgical site will be dressed.
Understand your treatment cycles, and stay abreast of your medication timeline. Your doctors or nurses will be able to tell you what medications you are to receive, and as a result you can check to see if they are being administered as prescribed. Ensure that you only take medications that are administered at the hospital. Personal medications should be kept at home, in order to avoid confusion.
At Home Care
Once you are discharged from the hospital, ensure that you have someone to carry you home safely. If you are going to have surgical procedures such as distraction arthroplasty that impact your ability to be mobile, you can organize to ensure that you are at a central place in your home. If your home has multiple levels, it may be best to stay on the ground floor for a few days and then adjust as you heal and regain your strength.
If you will require the use of a wheelchair, ensure that you have a proper tutorial before you start using the chair.
Be careful with your hygiene. Talk to your surgeon about the best time to resume hot showers, as hot water can affect your blood pressure. Where you can, you can wipe down your body or take showers with cooler water.
Understand your anticipated healing plan, including medication time frame and any plans for mobility. These can include the administration of physical therapy and return to normal activity.
Conclusion
Prepared patients are generally the ones who receive the best from their orthopaedic surgical experiences. As you take the time to understand your treatment, and have a suitable health care plant, you will have a successful surgical experience. Your health is your wealth.
Article Reference:
- Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/patient-guide-to-safe-surgery/
