What to expect from pre-op surgery?!
Question: I just found out I'm having surgery on Monday. ( very excited) It's my first surgery as an adult but I've been waiting a long time for it.
I'm having a revision to my amputation which will make it shorter. Tomorrow i have pre-op appointment I don't know what to expect or what I should do. I was told to bring my medication. Mom said I may be sent for blood work. anything else I should prepare for? People who have had surgery lately what goes on?
Answers: I just found out I'm having surgery on Monday. ( very excited) It's my first surgery as an adult but I've been waiting a long time for it.
I'm having a revision to my amputation which will make it shorter. Tomorrow i have pre-op appointment I don't know what to expect or what I should do. I was told to bring my medication. Mom said I may be sent for blood work. anything else I should prepare for? People who have had surgery lately what goes on?
What is the operation (procedure) that is recommended?
What is the surgeon's experience with this procedure?
What is the reason that this procedure is necessary at this time?
What are the options if this procedure is not done?
What is the anticipated outcome of the procedure?
What kind of anesthesia is required for the procedure?
What are the specific risks that this procedure involves?
What about a second opinion?
What is the recovery process after this procedure?
Is this procedure covered by my insurance plan?
Blood work will be done usually 2-3 days prior to surgery esp CBC and Chest X-ray. You will be admitted the day prior to surgery. The business office will have you fill out a lot of forms such as insurance information.
As you are going to have general anesthesia; you will be placed on NPO.(nothing by mouth ) . You will fast after midnight. Your dinner given will be light. A surgical nurse will assess you and interiew you. prior to surgery. She will be the one to also call you later as a follow-up call upon discharge from the hospital.
An admitting nurse will admit you the day before. You will be asked for a list of your medicines and allergies to surgical tape, latex, anesthesia,etc. You will be required to sign an informed consent. You will be advised to remove any jewelry; eyeglasses or contact lenses, or any partial dental appliance. or to come to the hospital without any valuables. You will be asked if you have any loose tooth or any injury in your mouth. An anesthesiologist will visit you the night before and examine you. He will want to know your past experience with aneshesia and any side effects if any from the surgery as a child if you can remember . Or else, if it's in the same hospital; they can obtain the records.
Remember to ask the above questions of your surgeon. Try to request from the doctor to have that foley catheter inserted once you're given the light pre-op sedative which most likely will be Versed. An IV line will be inserted in your arm for fluids, and medication adminstration. Via this access, you will be given IV pain med after surgery while in the hospital. They will also give a dose of IV antibiotic as a precautionary standard procedure against post-op infections. Your operative leg will be surgically prepped, cleansed and dressed. Post surgery, you will spend approximately about 2 hrs in RR( recovery room ) until you're awake and fully reacted from anesthesia.
Good Luck!
Um - you've been through this before; you should know what to expect.