Preparing for Surgery's Final Phase
~ Your Healing and Recovery ~

Preparing for surgery's final phase requires your special attention in order to achieve its best results.  While each stage of having surgery is important, the healing and recovery phase is more than just lying in bed recuperating.  When we actively participate in our own healing and recovery, we can have a huge impact on the amount of time it will take for us to heal.

From the very first days of preparing for surgery, we should keep an eye particularly on the final phase of surgery.  Everything we do (or don't do) in those first days can impact our end results. 

During the early days before surgery, addressing the following concerns can help you recover smoothly.

·        Who is going to help around the house while you are healing from surgery?

·        Move items down that you will need - within your easy reach

·        Purchase a long-handled reacher just in case

·        Pickup any loose carpets or tape down edges of rugs

·        Tape down unruly electrical cords

·        Ask your doctor about special equipment that could make your recovery easier. Items like elevated toilet seats or perhaps a shower bench would be a good investment in your recovery.

·        If needed, install handrails or grab bars in your shower

·        Make sure you have a comfortable chair with two-arms and a firm back and seat.

Knowing exactly what to expect after having surgery is just as important as knowing what to expect in the beginning.  Talk with your doctor about how much time it will take for you to recovery.  Also, talk to your doctor about how much pain you will experience after surgery.  Then discuss your options for pain management with your surgeon or anesthesiologist.

Pain!  It is part of having surgery, and we will more than likely experience it, at least to some degree.  Pain is our body's warning system that sends signals to our brain, "damage has been done - your attention is required!"

Pain is normal after having surgery, but it can sometimes interfere with your recovery by:

·        causing extra stress and anxiety that could lead to depression

·        causing you not to be able to get out of the bed, increasing your risk of blood clots

·        it can slow down or prolong the return of normal digestion

·        may cause you to suppress coughing, which can lead to pneumonia

If pain gets in the way of your healing, your doctor can prescribe a narcotic to help you manage your pain or perhaps recommend an over-the-counter pain relief medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

One of the best ways to take a proactive approach with your healing and the management of pain is to practice relaxation techniques.  It can also help to apply heat or ice to the site of your surgery.  Massage and stretching exercises are particularity beneficial for the management of pain.

Listening to positive affirmations, guided visualizations, or meditations can greatly enhance your overall sense of well-being, reduce pain, and decrease the time it takes for your body to heal.

So… when preparing for surgery's final phase, take special note of the above suggestions so that you can quickly heal.  Make sure that you also have a set of headphones available so you can turn up the healing affirmations and turn down the dial on your pain.

Mary Edison has been helping people prepare for surgery and recovery for over 25 years. She knows all the ins and outs of getting prepared for surgery and creating a successful and speedy recovery.  She has also created her "Heartfelt Gift Pick" get well list that will help you find that special and unique get well gift, something that's totally out of the ordinary ~ for your loved one or friend who is ill.

For more information about Mary, please visit Prepare For Surgery Now .  You can also download her free copy of "Your Guide to Less Stressful Surgery" so you can be completely prepared when you need to have surgery.