Preparing for Shoulder Surgery
Many shoulder problems, especially those that keep recurring, require surgery to fix them once and for all. Fortunately, surgeons have discovered a simple of repairing shoulder complications without making extensive incisions. This procedure is known as arthroscopy.
It involves making a small incision in your shoulder and inserting a lighted tube, known as an arthroscope, through the incision. The surgeon then puts surgical tools in the tube to repair your shoulder. Although this type of surgery is not very complex, it requires preparations. Continue reading to learn more about preparing for shoulder surgery.
How to Prepare for Shoulder Surgery
Like any other surgery, shoulder surgery can be demanding. Therefore, you need to prepare yourself fully when you are going for the surgery. Here are some important preparations you need to make.
Arrange for a Driver
Since shoulder surgery requires you to be given anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you back home after the operation. Depending on the type of anesthesia you get, the sedative effect can last up to 24 hours. Therefore, you will not be in the proper physical and mental state to drive.
Prepare Your House
After surgery, you will need a quiet and safe place to rest and recuperate. Therefore, you need to prepare your house to make it fit for your recovery. For instance, you need to arrange your bed in a way that allows you to sleep comfortably without putting excess pressure on the affected shoulder. Also, you need to arrange your household items in a way that allows you to use them without lifting with the injured shoulder.
Understand What the Procedure Entails
Before you go to the operating theater for shoulder surgery, your doctor should take you through the important stages of the surgery, explaining what is expected of you during the procedure. The doctor should also let you know the risks involved and the benefits of the surgery. This helps to prepare you mentally and physically for the surgery. During this consultation, you have enough time to ask your doctor all the questions you have regarding the surgery.
Avoid Certain Medications
You shouldn’t take certain medications, such as aspirin and other blood-thinning medicines, before the surgery because they can lead to excessive bleeding. It is important to let your doctor know if you are under any type of medication or have a medical condition that might complicate the surgery. You also need to inform your doctor about any natural health products you take.
