Having a hand surgery can be a difficult time for anyone, but by taking some steps in preparation, you can make the experience much smoother. From pre- to post-operation, there are a series of steps to take in order to ensure the best possible outcome for your hand surgery. This article will outline some of the most crucial steps you should take to prepare both physically and emotionally for the surgery.
Speak with Your Doctor
Before you get ready for the surgery itself, it is important to speak with your doctor in order to understand what exactly is going to occur. Your doctor will be able to talk to you about the operation and tell you why you need it and what you can expect. They will also be able to answer any questions you have about the surgery and provide you with a detailed list of things you need to do to prepare for the operation.
Alter Your Daily Activities
Hand surgery will often require a certain period of time for your body to heal and recover. This means that you will have to limit your daily activities during the short term. Depending on the surgery, you may be unable to perform even the simplest of tasks with your hands, such as driving or typing. It is important to speak to your doctor, as they can help you figure out how to best manage your daily activities.
Prepare Your Home
Any sort of surgery will require some changes to be made to your home in order to make recovery easier. Beforehand, make sure you have everything you’ll need within close reach. This means rearranging your kitchen in order to make things easier to reach. You may also need to acquire some assistive devices in order to make household tasks easier.
Find a Support Network
One of the most difficult parts of the healing process will be the days or weeks that follow the surgery. Having a support network in place can help you get through these difficult days and make the recovery process much easier. Make sure to speak to friends, family, and others who you can count on for help. You may also want to consider finding a support group for individuals who have recently undergone hand surgery.
Psychologically Prepare for Surgery
Hand surgery is a major operation, and it is normal to feel some anxiety in the lead up to the procedure. However, it is important to remember that the surgery is being done for a reason, and that you should trust your doctor and the rest of the medical professionals taking part in the surgery. Practicing some basic stress-reducing techniques can also help to calm nerves in the days leading up to the procedure.
Stay as Healthy as Possible
In order to ensure that your body is as healthy as possible for surgery, consider doing the following in the days leading up to the surgery: Eat healthily, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking and alcohol. Follow any guidelines that your doctor provides for limiting certain drugs and medications in order to ensure that your body is as healthy as possible.
Ready for the Big Day
Now that you are better prepared for the surgery, make sure you get plenty of rest in the days leading up to the procedure. Once it’s time for the surgery itself, make sure to follow any additional guidelines provided by your doctor in order to ensure the best possible outcome. After all is said and done, try to stay as positive as possible in the weeks that follow the surgery—before too long, you’ll be back to your old self.