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Preparation for Surgery
Dr. Corbin will explain the specific
procedure in detail as well as describe the type of
anesthesia that will be used. He will answer any other
questions that you may have, including: how to prepare
for the surgery, what to expect following the surgery,
the type of facility where the surgery will be performed,
and any other concerns that you may have.
The best way to prepare for any surgery is to be in
good physical health. This includes eating a well
balancecd diet and exercising. Depending on your age
and family history, your surgeon may require you to
have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery (usually
after age 40). Dr. Corbin will provide specific instructions
on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines
on eating or drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding
certain vitamins and medications.
Create a comfortable healing environment
It is common after surgery for patients
to feel tired, swollen, uncomfortable and sometimes
weak. For the ride home from the surgery center make
sure the vehicle you are traveling in has a pillow
and a lightweight blanket.
Also, create a comfortable area to recover at home.
For the first 5 days after surgery most patients are
required to sleep in an upright position to help reduce
potential swelling. It is a good idea to have many
soft pillows available to help make the new sleeping
position more comfortable.
Have the table or nightstand beside the sofa or bed
post op ready. After surgery keep a small cooler with
ice and or icepacks, cold drinks and damp washclothes
in it. Also keep a scented hand cream and flavored
lip balm close.
Also, have any pain or sleeping medications beside
the place you will be sleeping. Guaze, cold compresses
and/or tissues may also be kept close. Depending what
procedure you had done will determine what items to
keep near your recovery area.
Surround yourself with fragrance
Because fragrance so strongly touches
the brains emotional centers,it can dramatically affect
moods and memories. Scent your sheets with your favorite
dusting powder or have fresh potpourri beside the
bed.
Relax after surgery
In addition to making a comfortable
recovery area, plan on pampering yourself and relaxing
after any surgery. A few simple activities are: renting
movies, reading books, listening to soothing music,
watching television, writing in a personal journal
or writing letters to friends or family.
Massage is always a great way to relieve stress. Have
someone give you a relaxing scalp massage, foot massage,
back massage or just a general body massage avoiding
the operative area.
Avoid any stressful activities, as this will slow
the healing process.
Think positive! Healthy healing is controlled by mind
over matter.
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