FRAN DRESCHER 1957-
Surgery is half the race, but you have to go for the follow-up or do yourself a major disservice.
Be Prepared
Mistakes can happen during surgery. As an active member of your health- care team, you can make your surgical procedure and follow-up care as safe as possible. Here’s what you need to know.
Before Your Surgery n Bring a list of any questions you have
about your surgery to your pre-surgical doctor’s visit. Also bring a list of all the prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications that you are cur- rently taking or that you took until very recently. Review the list with your sur- geon and ask if there are any you should stop taking prior to your procedure.
n Be sure your surgeon knows about any allergies you have to medications and foods.
n Ask your surgeon whether you can eat or drink before your procedure, and if so, what kinds of food or drink, and within how many hours of your surgery.
n Ask your surgeon whether you should remove nail polish or temporary dental appliances (such as a bridge), if you can wear deodorant or body lo- tion, and if there are other preparations you need to make prior to surgery.
n Find out if you will need therapy aſter your surgery, who will arrange for it, and whether you can have therapy at home.
©2015 PatientPoint®
Rx
X marks the spot— be sure any mistaken markings on your body are completely cleaned off.
How you can make your surgical procedure and follow-up care as safe as possible.
n Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital or surgical center.
n Ask a relative or friend to go to the hospital or surgical center with you, to stay during your procedure, and accompany you home aſterward.
It’s hard to remember everything yourself. When you meet with your doctor, bring your questions and a friend. Your friend can help listen, take notes and ask questions, too!
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