Preparing For Your Heart Surgery

Any type of medical procedure is serious and can be scary if you've never had experience with surgical procedures before. Heart surgery can be especially scary since it affects one of the most vital organs in your body. Your doctor will do his very best to allay your fears and prepare you for the procedure that will be done. Be sure you ask any questions that you have, and share any concerns with your doctor, no matter how small you think they are. Address Your Fears and Anxiety - Don't Try to Hide Them With any medical procedure you'll have fears and anxieties that need to be addressed. One of the most important and comforting facts to realize is that every single person who goes in to have a surgical procedure done has to deal with many of the same fears. You're not alone in your fears of heart surgery. Another comforting fact to realize is that many individuals go through this type of medical procedure every year, and now live healthier and happier lives because of it! To help lay aside these fears and anxieties, share any concerns you have about the surgery, your health after surgery and anything else with your doctor. Ask for advice and reliable resources where you can do your own research. Your doctor can provide you with credible resources which will educate you on the procedure your body will be enduring. Understand the Procedure You're Facing - Research Credible Sources Knowing what's going to happen ahead of time is one key to a smooth heart surgery experience for yourself. If you're doctor doesn't step you through the various tests you'll have to determine if you're ready for surgery, be sure to ask him. Most likely, you'll be able to have the surgery on the day it's scheduled. However, the doctor still wants to double check and be sure. In addition to pre-surgery tests and procedures, you'll probably not be allowed to eat for several hours before surgery, you'll have an IV put in, and you may have your chest saved also. One great resource for credible education is the National Library of Medicine's website. Read the information on heart surgery or whatever procedure you'll be having done. This will prepare you for the procedure, so you can confidently know what to expect. Prepare Ahead of Time for the Hospital Stay After your heart surgery, you'll be staying at the hospital for several days. You'll need to arrange for care for you children during that time and any pets that you have at home. Perhaps you'd like to have someone stay at your home while you're in the hospital to give you peace of mind that your home and belongings are secure. Plan to bring a hospital bag full of familiar items from home. You may be able to wear some of your own clothes if they fit around the various items that will be connected to you after surgery. You'll also want to plan on friends and family visiting you after surgery. It's hard to spend days in the hospital with no one coming to see you.