No one wants to get hurt and especially in the joints because it will not only limit how much you move, but also increase the pain associated with moving. Even with proper personal care and precaution, injury or illness that requires orthopedic surgery may arise. As with other parts of the body, orthopedics surgery is the last line of treatment. If you are adamant about rushing to do it, you actually might feel more confident and benefit after getting a second medical opinion. If you depend on your limbs for livelihood, then having surgery may very well be the best option to getting back into action after injury or ailment.  Discuss all options with your medical professional.

So, the decision to get surgery has been made and you are also convinced it is the best thing you can do for yourself. How then do you prepare yourself psychologically and physically for the procedure and the days or months thereafter when you get out of the hospital?

• Before you undergo the procedure, it is important to share with your health care provider information about the medication you are taking if any. This is important because some medication, prescription or not, can interfere with drugs administered during the procedure and may need to be stopped. One of the worst case scenarios is when the medications you are currently on inhibit the action of anesthesia or pain medication.
• If your surgeon and your primary care doctor do not work in the same institution, it may be necessary to repeat some of the tests that initially indicated the need for surgery. These tests are done to establish that there are no underlying conditions which could complicate the process or outcome of surgery. Due to the risk of losing blood, some hospitals may ask you to donate some of your blood beforehand just in case it is needed during or after the surgery.
• Most of us are averse to pain, and are not so willing to be conscious when a surgical operation is taking place. While the preference is to have as little feeling is possible on what is being done, the decision for which anesthesia to use depends on the result of a general examination. An anesthesiologist will brief you before the procedure to avoid any surprises.
• The road to recovery can be long and requires patience. The surgeon will create a post-op or rehab plan to be followed to help promote recovery and quicken the healing process.
• Any surgical incision point may feel uncomfortable and at times painful when in contact with clothing. The preferred choice of clothing should be light and loose fitting. To avoid wearing the same clothes during an extended hospital stay, pack your clean clothes accordingly along with other items (favorite books, games, magazines, toiletries, etc.) to help make your stay a bit more comfortable.  And don’t forget your reading glasses, if you have them.  A bit of smart preparation goes a long way.

For a more serious procedure, joining a support group for people in the same situation provides consolation, encouragements and tips of how to cope with life before, during and after orthopedics surgery.  Follow these tips, along with the advise and program of your care providers, and you can be on the road to recovery quicker than you many think.

 

For more information about Lubbock Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Kevin Crawford, click below.

Dr. Kevin Crawford