Orthopedics – Preparing for Surgery

It is important to take the time to prepare for orthopedics surgery. There are several reasons why surgery is necessary including sports injuries, trauma to the musculoskeletal system or even a serious infection. Regardless the reason, proper preparation can make the transition from surgery to recovery a much smoother process.

Before Surgery

For some surgeries, you may need to fast for all or part of the day before. Get specific information about this from the orthopedics office to make sure you are prepared. Usually, the directions are very specific as to when you need to stop eating or drinking and if you can take any of your current medications before the procedure.

Plan for someone to take you to the hospital or office. If you are going home immediately after, you will not be able to operate a vehicle and you will need that person to drive you home. If you are staying, you want to make sure you have someone picking you up when you are released from the hospital.

At the Surgery

Many surgeries for the orthopedics departments are done inside a hospital. Plan to get to the hospital early to check in and fill out all of the necessary paperwork. Be sure to have your health insurance card and any copay that you owe.

As with any type of appointment, there may some down time in between certain parts of the process. Be sure to bring something with you to do. Consider bringing a book or magazine that you have been wanting to read. You may not get very far, but it will keep you occupied. Also, if you have any anxiety about to operation, it will take your mind off the next step.

After the Surgery

Depending on the specific procedure, you may just be in the hospital for the day or overnight. For someone planning to leave on the same day, it isn't necessary to pack a lot. If you are planning to stay longer, remember to bring basic toiletries and possibly something to pass the time. You may not be very mobile, so you want to find something to do that doesn't require much movement. Reading, watching television and working on a laptop may be a few of the options.

You may need someone to have your prescriptions filled. Most people who have been through an orthopedics procedure require pain medication after surgery. Plan in advance to get your health insurance card, the copay as well as your preferred drug store. This will make the errand easier for them, and in turn, you will get your medication in a timely manner.

Finally, get together anything you will need on the road to recovery. If you exercises or equipment that you need to regain full use of the area of operation, place in all in one area of the home. Again, ask the orthopedics doctor for complete instructions on what you will need to do to get better. If you are not able to drive, arrange for someone to take you to the follow up appointment. Find a support system and plan ahead to ensure a smooth operation and recovery time.

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