First of all, congratulations! You scheduled your surgery and have taken one of the biggest steps in your quest for a more comfortable and active life. Preparing for surgery ahead of time can help ensure you have a successful surgery, along with a smooth recovery. There are a few steps you can take into account to put you on the right track.
Learn about your procedure, and do your own research on how the surgery will provide relief to your pain. Doing some of your own research can also help you understand the technicalities of surgery and the benefits on your own terms. Having a solid grasp of what will be going on the day of surgery will help you better process the large amount of information that the doctors, anesthesiologists and nurses will be discussing with you in the appointments before, during and after surgery.
If anything remains unclear to you, ask questions! Going into the procedure knowing the answer to all of your questions, and having a solid understanding of what to fully expect, will ease your anxiety. Your Medical Team will give you a lot of information, but don’t feel shy about asking some questions of your own to facilitate discussion. Here are a few questions that can help:
It might seem counterintuitive to promote movement and exercise before your surgery, but it does have some major benefits. Scientific research has made it perfectly clear that if you are close to your normal weight, it reduces the chances of surgical complications. Getting in the best physical shape possible before surgery can set you up for success, and reduce the chance of complications and shorten your recovery time. Here are some important ideas:
Understanding the recovery process, and what to expect after surgery is just as important as all of the preoperative preparations you will be going through. Your rehab phase is half of the battle towards a more active pain-free life. Understanding the pain you will experience after surgery will help you understand the healing process your body is going through. Pain is often triggered by
Investing in your rehab and making it a priority can increase your quality of life in the long run. Using a dedicated tool like the MyComfortMD Knee Buddy can simplify your recovery process, and also hold you accountable to your elevation routine and extension exercises. Recovery can be a long road, and having the correct products accessible and planning accordingly can make the transition to a full recovery that much easier. Heal faster and get back on your feet quickly!