Regardless of whether it's a routine operation or a life changing one, surgery can be frightening.Getting your head around the impending surgical process is an important part of being properly prepared.
Step 1: Get some information.
If you understand what is being done and why it is needed, you will be more confident about the surgery.Before, during, and after the surgery, talk to your medical professionals about what will happen.It's a good idea to explain the procedure to your family and friends so that you can feel more confident about it.
Step 2: Make sure your physical needs are met.
You can begin to prepare for the effects of the surgery once you understand what it entails.How will the surgery affect you?How long will you be out of the hospital?What can you do after your surgery?How long?These are the sorts of questions you should be prepared for, as they will help you to properly prepare, and will make you feel more confident and comfortable with the surgery in general.
Step 3: Pack for the visit.
When you have the answers to your questions, think about how long you will be in the hospital and what kind of things you want.If you need them, you may want clean clothes, books, and so on.If you want to use anything during your stay, limit it to one bag.If you need something else, your family and friends are often more than happy to take your dirty clothing and bring you clean, or exchange your books and games when you are finished with one.If you are religious, you may choose to take an item that is significant to your religion; if not, many people will take a family photo or album to encourage themselves.
Step 4: Don't forget to plan ahead.
If you are going to be out of work for a period of time after surgery, make sure that you and your family are provided for financially during this time.Depending on where you live, this may be something you have to discuss with your health insurance or national health service.Regardless of what you need to do in order to manage it, make sure that you don't end up in a tight spot financially as a result of your surgery.You won't have to worry about financial matters during your recovery if you sort this out in advance.
Step 5: Speak to your concerns.
It is important to be open about your feelings during this time, as keeping them to yourself could increase your stress.Studies show that the more relaxed the patient is, the less likely they are to have problems.It is worth trying to relax yourself and have confidence in your surgeon as much as possible.Sharing the information with people who care about you can be much more beneficial than keeping it to yourself.If you find that people are willing to help out with your household maintenance, meals, etc., during your recovery, but if they don't know, they cannot offer such assistance.There are some questions that can't be answered before the surgery.Preparing all the support you'll need after the surgery is something you can control, so instead of focusing on those questions, put your energy into preparing.
Step 6: Have faith in yourself.
It doesn't have to be a deity to have faith in.Have faith that your doctor will do everything they can to help you live a happy and healthy life.You should have faith that your family is waiting for you.If you have faith in yourself and everyone that loves you, it will give you purpose during a time when you desperately need it, which will help to reduce your stress levels and make you more relaxed and confident.
Step 7: It's important to keep as fit as you can.
Try to exercise as much as possible, eat healthy, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest in the run up to your surgery.Being in tip-top condition during the surgery can improve your mood, which helps you to stay in a more positive frame of mind, as well as helping to reduce the risk of complications, so that you can be even more confident.