Health and strength start with proper nutrition. Your upcoming surgery provides a perfect motivation to improve your diet. You might be surprised at how quickly your body will respond to cleaner eating.
In the days and weeks leading up to your surgery, load up on fruits and vegetables, which will reduce inflammation. Avoid processed foods, which are difficult to break down. Drink more water. Hydration can lead to physical liberation.
Time to tune up your engine! But there’s no need to overdo it. Set a reasonable goal of up to 10,000 steps per day.
Doing little things like parking farther away from building entrances can significantly boost that step count. The more you walk before your surgery, the better you will be able to walk following it. That means you’ll get to go home sooner!
Maybe you’ve wanted to kick some bad habits anyway. Now would be a perfect time. Anything that alters your thinking, physical stamina, mood, or sleep patterns can make your surgery and recovery more difficult.
Let’s talk particulars. If you smoke, stop. Immediately. Cut down - way down - on caffeine and alcohol. These substances can affect your surgical anesthesia and significantly retard your post-operative recovery.
Infection is the enemy. Diligently use a germ-inhibiting soap for bathing, such as Safeguard, Dial, or Lever 2000, for at least one week before surgery. Immediately report any signs of cold, infection, boils, or pustules.
To be strong, you must be calm. That can be difficult leading up to surgery. Read. Relax. Rest. Meditate. Pray if you choose. Think positive thoughts. This is not psycho-babble. This is science.
Your surgical team should be experts on your procedure. But the next most educated person should be you. It’s your life. It’s your body. Learn everything you can about your surgery and its goals and objectives. Knowledge is power.
Check the credentials of your surgical facility. Is it fully licensed and accredited? Are emergency procedures in place?
Ask questions of your surgeon. Expect straight answers.
Make sure your anesthesia is led by a physician anesthesiologist. That should be non-negotiable. A physician anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in anesthesia, pain management, and critical care medicine. They have 12 to 14 years of specialized education and between 12,000 and 16,000 hours of clinical training.
It would be best to meet with your physician anesthesiologist before your surgery. Spill it. Everything. Your health, including any chronic conditions. Your habits. Your medications, including supplements. Your allergies. Your use of alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs. Your fears. Your previous experiences with anesthesia.
Are you pregnant? Or could you be pregnant? This is an extremely important and necessary conversation. Take notes.
But it’s equally important to communicate with your primary health care provider. They know your medical history and can help you - and your surgeon - prepare for your procedure. Your primary care physician might want to make changes in your medication leading up to your surgery. It’s especially important to address issues such as hypertension and diabetes.
Communicate with your family and friends. Be open with them. You love and need them. And they love and need you.
Now let’s get this done - safely and successfully. Remember. You can heal faster and recover more smoothly by properly preparing for your surgery.
Get a one on one consultation with Dr. Pedersen in his beautiful practice in Akron, OH
Monday: 9am - 5pm
Tuesday: 9am - 5pm
Wednesday: 9am - 1pm
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
