How to Prepare Yourself Mentally and Physically for Surgery

How to Prepare Yourself Mentally and Physically for Surgery

Surgery is a big deal, there is no two ways about it. Regardless whether you cannot wait for it to get over or you do not think much of it, your body will definitely go through a stressful ordeal, so it is advisable to be prepared. The stress affects not only your body but your mind, as well. While you cannot avoid the surgery itself, you can definitely do everything in your power to reduce the impact it has on you. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for the surgery and reduce the recovery period. Here are some of the ways you can do this.

Making the Most of Meditation

If you have not meditated before, this is the best possible time to try. It will keep your mind off the things that are happening in your life, and it will directly help you with your problem. Meditation is a way to fight off stress and all the adverse effects it has on you. If you do not know where to start, and you are not about to go to classes, there are tons of online courses that can teach you to meditate.

Visualizing the Positive Outcome

Think about your surgery as that day zero on your journey to being healthy. Do not think about it as of something terrible, because it is not. It is the beginning of you getting better and fighting your condition, whatever it may be. With this in mind, you may even find yourself wanting for the surgery to happen as soon as possible.
You will get a lot of tips and ideas from your doctor about what to do before surgery. They will be about food, drink, sleep, lifestyle changes, and so on. However, these can depend on the type of the surgery you are preparing for. Here are a few things you can do for your physical preparation.

Talking to Somebody Who Has Done It

Fear of the unknown is one of the biggest fears that people have. Therefore, if you get in touch with somebody who has gone through the same experience, they can break it down and demystify it for you. If you already know what is about to happen in advance, there will be less surprises and you will be mentally prepared for anything that might come your way.

Keeping Your Body Fit and Healthy

This also should not be done without close monitoring from your physician. Some of the conditions will require from you to be still, while others do not limit your ability to stay fit. You do not have to do anything drastic, but walking 45 minutes a day will definitely get your body in good shape. Also, if your surgery is a routine torn ligament surgery, you may want to build up your quads to reduce the recovery period.

Taking Extra Care About Your Diet

This is definitely something to discuss with your doctor, and something that you should not take lightly. Also, your diet greatly depends on the condition that you have. However, it is obvious that your heart, respiratory organs and kidneys need to work perfectly in order for your surgery to be easy on you. With that in mind, boost up your dietary habits to make your body strong.



Planning the Post-Op Period Thoroughly

Talk to your doctor and let him explain the recovery period to you. Take a walk to your local surgical supply store and ask for some tips from those who work there. They will definitely recommend things that will ease up the whole process and make it more comfortable. It all depends on the type of surgery you are having and the way you need to act after the procedure is done.

Do not think of surgery as something that will ruin a part of your life. Think of it as of an event that signifies the beginning of a healthier life for you. It may be a bit painful, and uncomfortable, but once you get it over with, every day that passes is a day you feel better and better. Therefore, find a doctor you can trust, be positive and start your first step toward a better and healthier life. Surgery is just one part of that journey, so do not make it the most important one. Treat it as you would any of the steps on your way to become healthy again, with care and patience, most of all.