{"id":10482,"date":"2021-03-29T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-29T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forteelements.com\/?p=10482"},"modified":"2021-03-11T15:59:58","modified_gmt":"2021-03-11T22:59:58","slug":"surgery-doesnt-have-to-be-scary-blog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forteelements.com\/surgery-doesnt-have-to-be-scary-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"Surgery Doesn\u2019t Have to Be Scary"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Surgery nerves. They are to be expected. Especially if it is a major surgery. The reality is, you will probably be nervous before your surgery. But surgery does not have to be scary\u2014don\u2019t let it cause you panic. Don\u2019t worry yourself by googling surgery horror stories. Instead, focus on what you can do to have a great surgery and recovery. And trust the doctor you chose. After all, you picked them for a reason.<\/span> You will still be nervous. But, here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for surgery day.<\/span><\/p>\n You have a say in what happens. It’s you who will choose the surgeon. And most of the time, you choose when you have your surgery. <\/span> Picking a surgeon can help you feel in more control of your surgical outcomes.<\/span> How can you pick the surgeon that will best fit your needs? You need a surgeon you can trust\u2014that goes without saying. First, start by making a list of potential surgeons. Here are some things to consider when compiling your list:<\/span><\/p>\n It is important to review and research each surgeon on your list. You can even conduct interviews with the surgeons if that will make you feel more comfortable. Have an initial visit with the top surgeons on your list. Having an initial visit does not mean you are committed\u2014if you do not like the appointment, go with another option.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n Just like picking a surgeon, you can sometimes pick when to have your surgery. Depending on the nature of your surgery. This is especially true for elective surgeries. An elective surgery is a procedure that is planned in advance and is not an emergency. Here are some examples of an elective surgery:<\/span><\/p>\n Since these surgeries are typically not performed in an emergency situation, you will be able to choose when you have the procedure. <\/span> But, most importantly, you have a lot of control over how successful your surgery is. Yes, there is a lot out of your control\u2014but you would be surprised at what is within your grasp. Specifically, you will be an integral part of your surgery preparation. Because your surgeon can tell you how to prepare, but you have to be the one to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n One of the most important preparation tips is this: be the healthiest version of yourself. Your chances of having a smooth surgery will drastically improve if you are in optimal health. If you don\u2019t exercise, begin a light exercise routine. If your diet is lacking key food groups, focus on creating a more well-balanced diet. And get rest\u2014plenty of it. <\/span> Quality nutrition is an absolute necessity. Without, your body will be ill-equipped to recover. <\/span><\/p>\n Vitamin C<\/strong>. Your immune system needs to be top notch before, during, and after your surgery. Which means your body will need a lot of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. This vitamin boosts your immune system, helping your body fight damage and infection and promote wound healing.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Vitamin D.<\/strong> Especially important for bone surgeries. If you\u2019re having surgery<\/a> because of a fracture, low vitamin D levels can cause future fractures and revision surgery.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n Protein.<\/strong> Your body undergoes significant stress during a surgical procedure, increases demands for protein and energy. To fulfill those demands, you will need to increase your amino acid (protein) intake to make sure body has the energy it needs to recover. Protein is needed for tissue and muscle repair<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Probiotics.<\/strong> What is a probiotic? Probiotics are live bacteria that have numerous health benefits. Taking probiotics before your surgery will help reduce the risk of infection and boost your immunity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n Zinc<\/strong>. Integral in wound healing and tissue regeneration, which is important in any surgery.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n Smoking and alcohol can be great inhibitors to a successful surgery. If you can, quit before your surgery day arrives. Discuss with your doctor potential paths to quitting.<\/span> A lot of preparation occurs before and even on your surgery day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are a few more:<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n Make arrangements.<\/strong> It is important to make surgery arrangements well in advance. Figure out who is driving you and picking you up, what you will need at the surgical center, etc.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n Aim for comfort.<\/strong> Dress comfortably the day of your surgery\u2014go with loose fitting clothing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n Know what you need to know about anesthesia. <\/strong>Going under <\/span><\/i>makes most people nervous. But knowing what to expect can make it easier. Ask your doctor for the what\u2019s what on the anesthesia that will be performed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ask about current medications.<\/strong> If you are on any medication, make sure to ask your surgeon about continuing to take them.<\/span>\u00a0Food & drink.<\/strong> Depending on the surgery, you will have to stop eating and drinking at a certain time. Get the details from your surgeon.<\/span><\/p>\n Even though the surgery itself is over, it isn\u2019t really over. If only it were that simple. Surgery recovery can seem tedious and difficult. Luckily, this is another area where you have some control because there are things you can do to have a better recovery<\/a>. <\/span> Just like when preparing for surgery, the quality of your nutritional intake will help determine the quality of your recovery. The nutrients you need after surgery are similar to the nutrients you need before surgery. <\/span> Here\u2019s a quick reminder:<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\nYou Have Some Control<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Here are some questions to ask your surgeon during the first visit:<\/span><\/h3>\n
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How to prepare for surgery<\/span><\/h3>\n
What nutrients do you need to properly prepare?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Recovering from surgery<\/span><\/h3>\n