Essential Steps to Prepare for Your Upcoming Surgery

You've exhausted your conservative options, you've done your homework on the surgical procedure needed for your needs. You have researched the right surgeon for the job. You've received all the pre-op instructions and exercises. You've reviewed them with your trusted physical therapist. You have a plan to jump back in to physical therapy post surgery and now you wait with anticipation of greater quality of life ahead.

Here are some ways to plan ahead for the things you may not have considered:

1. Mindset: The mind is extremely powerful. It is the gateway to all things going easier or harder on your day of surgery. Let's go through the wheel of emotions.

   

   1. Anger: You may be feeling some anger - that you have to have surgery - especially if your surgery is a result of an accident or physical trauma. I can not express to you enough, the power of forgiveness before you undergo that knife. This includes anyone in your immediate support circle post surgery. Create a wall of peace. Forget the past and keep your eyes on what is ahead. Look for the nuggets of good coming your way.

   2. Hatred: The words coming out of your mouth as you approach surgery tell you more about your heart than you may realize. Notice any "I hate..." comments? You may be feeling a victim to your own circumstances. Rise above, accept where you are at without judgment and be an overcomer. Take heart that you have done your best and you have decided to place the next step of your healing journey in a trusted surgeon's hands.

   3. Depression: sleepless nights or excessive sleeping may have you feeling pretty heavy in spirit; you have no strength to meet your days. You may be stress eating or not eating at all. It's not your strength you can rely on right now. After accepting that, dig deep, into your inner strength. Feed your soul some grace and do the best you can. Ask for help when needed and keep your eyes on brighter days ahead.

   4. Fear: Let's be real - there are some very real fears and complications when undergoing surgery. There's no time like the present to be that peacemaker and ensure relationships are where you would like them to be as much as is possible on your part. This is not the time to procrastinate on paperwork - medical and life. Make a list of your to-do's and questions and tick them off with the right resources a few a day. There are no dumb questions and this is your experience for your body. You don't have to walk this alone. Open the doors of communication with those that need to be part of decision making. At the end of the day, utilize your power to get the answers you need, rest in the love of family and friends, and feel assured you have exhausted the questions you had and then hand the rest up - that which you just can't control - and dwell on the positives.

   5. Anxiety: you've probably not had this procedure before, and if you did and are undergoing it again, there may be some confusion -- what can I really expect? Can it go right? What's awaiting me at the end of this next tunnel? Lean into every truth you can. Seek it like hidden treasure. Have a history of addiction - smoking, pain meds, alcohol? Had a history with pain meds and nervous about a set-back with new meds on board post surgically? There's no time like the present to get [some] control over it/make some plans. Your kidneys will be taxed with anesthesia. If you consume alcohol, this may show up as unrelenting swelling complications. Smoking and pain meds diminish your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection and lengthen your recovery time. Given the opportunity to get off the heavy stuff, aim for it, and use a little grit to muster through the tougher days. It will get easier. Ice is typically your friend post surgery. Make plans to have proper ice packs available.

2. Nutrition:

   

   Quality Nutrition is essential to keep your immune system in tip top shape to avoid infection and help with necessary energy for healing. Outside of eating a well balanced, whole food diet, boost your fruits and vegetables for antioxidant loading - your body's defenses for detox. Prime your microbiome with freshly squeezed lemon water and make your beverages on the warmer side for better hydration. Hydration is essential to limit gastrointestinal issues post surgery:

   1. Hydrate well ahead of your surgery. Drink room temperature to warm water only (ice water and coffee dehydrates).

   2. Add fresh squeezed lemon to your water to keep your microbiome balanced.

   3. Take a reputable electrolyte as needed if you struggle with any kidney dysfunction or notice frequent swelling in your L ankle. [Look for labels that have no sugar or artificial sweeteners; or have a 5 carbon d-ribose sugar. I can confidently recommend Seeking Health's Optimal Electrolytes: https://www.seekinghealth.com/products/optimal-electrolyte]

Consider having some of these natural remedies on hand:

1. To assist in avoiding infection, boost your vitamin C.

2. For constipation (pain meds are notorious for this uncomfortable side effect): consider cascara sagrada which will clean you out and psyllium to help keep you regular. Avoid sugar and consume a lot of clear fluids. I have a self colon massage video also available to help you at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPBN0Y8TmEc

3. For diarrhea: black walnut supplement can work wonders.

4. For nausea and general inflammation: chamomile tea may be your best friend.

5. For liver support to assist detox: stock up on Dandelion tea.

   

   
   

3. Physical Fitness: optimizing mobility and strength prior to your surgery is not over-rated. It will speed up your recovery. A good physical therapist can guide you in proper exercises prior and immediate exercises post. Please review any surgeon recommended exercises with your physical therapist as these are typically standard assignment and may not be good for you or may, quite frankly, be poor for anyone's mechanics. Gracefully remember, they are the surgeon, not the rehab specialist. It may be beneficial to see a massage therapist to keep muscles relaxed and optimally long pre surgically as you may not physically be able to gain that range yourself. A manual physical therapist or chiropractor may also be of benefit to ensure optimal mobility in joints prior to your big day. Utilize the healthcare relationships you have already made or meet some good new ones to have "on call" post surgery.

There is life after surgery. Praying these tidbits help make your time post surgery more comfortable and more efficient. Envision your good days to come. Keep your eyes on things above. Guard your thoughts, words, and actions. He's got this and is already waiting on your other side in victory. God bless you on your journey to recovery.