Are you facing the prospect of orthopedic surgery? Confused by the complexities of pre-and post-operative care?
Learn about navigating the experience to make it easier for you and your family. You’ll take away useful tips for a successful surgical journey.
What to Expect Before and After Orthopedic Surgery?
Before orthopedic surgery, patients in Austin should expect to be fully informed of the procedure and the possible risks and outcomes by their orthopedic surgeon. The physician should be asked about their experience with the patient’s particular type of surgery, as well as how common it is for patients with similar conditions.
They should also be aware of alternatives to surgery, such as non-surgical treatments or physical therapy. If you are considering orthopedic surgery, it is important to find a skilled and experienced Orthopedic Surgeon in Austin who can provide you with the best possible care.
After the surgery has been completed, patients should expect a period of recovery that will vary in length depending on the individual’s physical condition and the type of procedure performed.
During this time off from work or other activities, it is important that instructions from medical professionals are closely followed regarding methods for cleaning incisions or caring for casts/splints/braces.
Also during recovery time medications may need to be taken for inflammation or infection prevention which requires close monitoring by healthcare providers for any adverse reactions.
Tips for Patients and Families
When facing a major surgery, patients and families should be prepared in order to minimize stress and ensure that all needs are met. Knowing what to expect can go a long way toward providing peace of mind.
Here are some tips for patients and families to help navigate the process leading up to, during, and after orthopedic surgery:
- Get informed: Research both the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s credentials ahead of time. Ask the surgeon questions about their experience with the specific procedure being done if necessary.
- Prepare for any pre-op tests: Depending on the type of procedure being done, doctors may require blood tests, x-rays, or other imaging tests prior to surgery. Make sure to follow instructions for any pre-op procedures carefully so there are no delays when it comes time for surgery.
- Arrange rides home: Patients should have someone drive them home from the hospital after their surgery is completed; make sure this person is organized in advance so there is no stress at the time of discharge from the hospital.
- Have an itemized list of medications ready: Make sure that all relevant medications–including herbal supplements, over-the-counter medicines, and prescription drugs–are listed clearly so that they can be accounted for properly before, during, and after surgery.
Conclusion
Throughout this guide, we have highlighted important information that can help you and your family better navigate the orthopedic surgery process. We hoped to provide a comprehensive overview of tips to reduce anxiety associated with the unknown while empowering you to make informed decisions about your care.
Keeping in mind that all patients’ experiences are unique, we strongly encourage everyone to speak with their doctors about any still unanswered questions or concerns.
