Steps to take now to reduce your risk of complications and promote a speedy recovery!
- Pre-surgery food tips
- Did your surgeon order a special diet to follow before your surgery?
- Smoking and surgical complications
- Drinking alcohol and complications
- What to tell your surgeon about the medications and supplements you take
- Reducing the risk of infection by showering with this!
- What to wear the day of surgery
Are you having a surgical procedure in the coming months? Many people elect to have surgery before the end of the year to take advantage of health insurance deductibles or extended time off around the holidays. You can take an active role in your surgery by doing things prior to surgery that will set you up for success and promote a speedy recovery. As a Medical/Surgical ICU nurse and private post-surgical recovery care nurse I have some tips to avoid complications and optimize your recovery!
Avoid foods that are high in sodium and sugar at least one week before your surgery date. Excess sodium intake can lead to fluid retention, and sugar in any amount can cause inflammation and impaired wound healing. Do increase your protein intake, which your body needs for recovery and eat lots of veggies and berries for important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for healing.
Why did my surgeon give me a special diet to follow before surgery?
Your surgeon may provide you with a special diet prior to surgery. The purpose of a special diet is to provide your body with the nutrients it needs for optimal surgical outcomes, avoid nausea and vomiting by reducing gastrointestinal distress, and promote good bowel health after surgery. Vomiting, constipation and bowel obstructions are risks associated with surgery than can prolong recovery. The day before surgery should consist of small, light meals or clear broth-based soups. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight or at least 8 hours prior to surgery. If you surgeon or their staff did not tell you about dietary changes before surgery, make sure you ask! Eating the wrongs things or eating the morning of surgery can delay or possibly cancel your surgery.
Should I stop smoking before my surgery?
This goes without saying but apparently it still needs to be said! If you are smoking or vaping now is the time to stop, and for good. Anesthesia medications, mechanical ventilation, and prolonged recovery requiring bedrest can decrease lung function and make recovery more difficult. To promote lung health before surgery practice taking 5-10 deep breaths every hour while awake in the weeks and days leading up to surgery. After surgery you will probably receive an Incentive Spirometer. This is a handheld breathing “toy” to exercise the lungs and promote lung expansion. Breathing exercises reduce the risk of developing pneumonia after surgery.
Can I drink alcohol before my surgery?
Drinking alcoholic beverages can interfere with your ability to coagulate your bodies supply of blood causing blood to “thin” which exposes you to excessive bleeding during and after surgery which can be a life-threatening complication. Do not drink alcohol two weeks prior to surgery and at least two weeks after surgery or until you get your surgeons ok to resume responsible consumption.
What to tell your doctor about ALL of the pills you take!
Tell your surgeon and the anesthesiologist about ALL prescribed medications, over the counter (OTC) medications, recreational drug use and ALL supplements you take on a regular basis. Many medications can interfere with your surgery and recovery. Many seemly innocent OTC medications and supplements can include ingredients that can interfere with blood anticoagulation and heart rhythms. These medications and supplements may be held for a period of time before or after your surgery.
Ask your surgeon which medications you can safely take the morning of surgery. You may be able to take some or all of the medications with small sips of water. Bring a complete list of all medications and supplements you take with you to the hospital or surgery center. The list should include the name of the medication, dosage, frequency and last dose taken. Even if you have already told your surgeon and anesthesiologist about them, you will most likely be asked again about your medication and supplement usage by nurses, pharmacists and discharge planners.
Showering and cleanliness before surgery
A shower the night before surgery with a medical grade antibacterial wash like Hibiclens will prep your skin before surgery and will help reduce the risk of infection. Sleepwear and bed linens should be freshly washed in a non-scented, dye-free laundry detergent to avoid contamination of your skin before surgery. The morning of surgery, shower again with the antibacterial soap and wear clean, loose-fitting clothing like elastic waist pants and button-down shirts or a zip-up jacket. Nothing tight that is a struggle to take on and off or pull over your head. Do not apply perfumes, lotions, make-up, deodorant or body sprays the morning of surgery.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT POST-SURGICAL RECOVERY CARE DON’T HESITATE TO ASK! CONTACT ME BELOW TO DROP ME AN EMAIL AND I’LL GET BACK TO YOU AS SOON AS I CAN!