Preparing For Hand Surgery - What You Need To Know

Sep 8
13:39

2010

Andrea Avery

Andrea Avery

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For anybody that's had a hand injury or cosmetic problem, surgery is a godsend. This type of plastic surgery is designed to get your hands back the wa...

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For anybody that's had a hand injury or cosmetic problem,Preparing For Hand Surgery - What You Need To Know Articles surgery is a godsend. This type of plastic surgery is designed to get your hands back the way you need them. Surgery is a low-risk operation, but there are some things you should know about preparing yourself for it.

The first step is to get to the root of the trouble. In order to do this, the doctor will make a detailed examination of your hand, wrist and any other part of the body they think may be involved. They'll also ask you to give every detail possible about your medical history and allergies. This information is important for safety reasons.

You'll also have to explain to the doctor exactly what's wrong. If there's swelling around the hand, they'll be able to tell by feeling it. They'll also check with you if it hurts to see where the trouble lies. If you've felt any pinprick sensations, pain or numbness, they'll want to know about that. This will help them make a proper diagnosis.

They may also conduct tests, such as x-rays. Any additional information they can get about the trouble you're having will help. Finally, they'll give you an overall physical examination to make sure that you're in no danger from undergoing a surgical operation.

Before your hand surgery, refrain from taking any medications at all. If you're on prescription medications that you can't do without, check with your doctor to see if it's alright to take them. Basically, you'll be asked to stop taking any medicine, including painkillers like aspirin. This also includes herbal supplements, and anything else that works as an inflammatory.

The doctor will ask you not to eat or drink anything the day of the operation. They may ask you to starve yourself for eight hours prior to surgery, but most will simply tell you not to eat the day of the operation. You should also refrain from drinking alcohol for a few days before. If you're a smoker, it's a good idea to go cold turkey for a few days before the operation, or at least cut down as much as you can.

For your hand operation, you'll be placed in a comfortable position, most likely lying down with your arm raised. The doctor will give you either local anesthetic, or a simpler nerve block. This will keep you from feeling pain or discomfort during the procedure. They'll want you to be as comfortable as possible.

If you get the right diagnosis and you're in the right physical shape, your hand surgery will go off without a hitch. You can expect to be patched up and gauzed the same day. Usually, you'll be home that night. The recovery period will take some time and caution, but in no time you'll be using your hands like normal again.

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