Preparing for surgery is not going to be on your top 10-list of things to do but eventually your doctor may say to you, "it's time for you to prepare for surgery.  When he does...will you be ready? 

More than likely, you won't be and you probably won't even want to talk about having surgery until it becomes absolutely necessary.  It can make us so nervous and the thought of it can give us those uncomfortable butterfly feelings in our stomach. Anxiety about having surgery is natural and to some degree, it is expected.  We can however reduce those feelings of anxiety by simply planning.

There are three distinct stages to having surgery.  Each phase or stage is unique unto itself and requires different planning strategies.  These strategies include preparing physically as well as mentally for having surgery.  

It really doesn't matter if you are having an intricate complicated surgery or a minor "in / out" procedure, you will find that for both, the planning and preparing will be the same.  Moreover, the better you plan now; the better off you will be when the time comes for you to have surgery.

Planning for a Better Surgery Begins with a Better Plan

Most surgical centers across American lump the process of having surgery into one big major medical event.  Let's break the process down into a much more efficient way of having surgery and preparing for it.  If you look at it as a three-phase process, you are going to feel less overall anxiety and stress and it will make effective planning much easier.

As with all events in life you will find they include a before, during and after stage.  This holds true even when you prepare for surgery.  Any surgical or medical procedure will include a before stage of surgery, a during stage and an after or recovery stage.

Phase 1 - Before Surgery - The busiest phase of all…

Yes... that's right, phase one of this three-stage process is the busiest one of all.  In this stage of preparing for surgery there are many important preparatory items to note on your to do list. 

Creating a list and then jotting items down on it as they come to mind regarding your surgery or questions and concerns you might have about your surgery will help you maintain some sort of order and sanity.

Here are a few important items to get you started with your list.

a)     Talk with your doctor in greater depth about your surgery, talk about your medications, and discuss the possibility of blood transfusions, requirements for your diet and so on.

b)    Meet with your anesthesiologist

c)     Find out if your insurance benefits will cover the procedure

d)    Make arrangements to pay any additional costs not covered by your insurance benefits

e)     Create a living will

f)      Notify your work

g)     Find someone to watch the kids

h)    Make sure your pets are cared for

i)       Get the house ready for your return from the hospital

j)       Install any special equipment if necessary

k)    Who's going to drive you home after the hospital

l)       Remember to practice relaxation techniques (which in my opinion - is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your mental and physical health before surgery)

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.