Five questions to ask your surgeon about pending surgery
if you are scheduled to have surgery this year, it’s a good idea to do more than write the date for your surgery on the calendar. There are several questions you should ask your surgeon so that you are prepared for surgery. It is often helpful to write down your questions before visiting the surgeon so that nothing is forgotten. Some people like to have a friend or spouse with them to help process the information.
Here are five questions to get you started on becoming an informed patient.
1. What is going to happen? You may be aware that you are having knee replacement surgery but do you understand the steps that are involved? Don’t rely on a report from a relative who had the same procedure. A surgical plan can vary from patient to patient and each surgeon has his own technique. Ask your surgeon what he plans to do. If you don’t understand a medical term, ask to have it explained. Ask about whether the anesthesia will be local, regional or general. If you have had uncomfortable experiences with anesthesia, request a meeting with the anesthesiologist before the procedure. Knowing where the incision will be, if you will be awake or asleep, and all the other details allows you to process the information ahead of the procedure.
2. Why are we doing this? You need to know exactly why the procedure is being done — whether it’s to relieve pain, improve function or achieve some other medical benefit.
3. What is the expected outcome? Ask your surgeon about the benefits of having the surgery and if these benefits are long term or short term. Some procedures require follow-up surgery in the future. It is better to know this ahead of time instead of finding it out later. Ask your surgeon to let you know what he expects to happen so you have realistic expectations.
4. Have you done this before? It is reasonable to ask how many times the surgeon has performed the procedure and how successful the procedure has been.
5. What will happen after surgery? Although you know what the outcome is supposed to be, you should also ask about recovery following surgery. Ask about the length of time you will be hospitalized and the amount of discomfort there may be. Find out if you will need therapy and how long it will need to be continued Ask about any limits that will be placed on your life including driving restrictions, time off work or movement limitations. Find out if you will need special equipment, or other assistance during the recovery process. By knowing in advance, you can have plans in place before you even enter the hospital.
Recover with less worry
When your surgeon recommends professional care following a medical event, he is trying to provide you with the best recovery experience possible. Glenview Terrace offers health care expertise combined with an unrelenting commitment to comfort, dignity and guest satisfaction, making it one of the area’s finest choices for care following surgery or other medical event requiring a hospital stay. The experts at Glenview Terrace are dedicated to providing the highest standards of customer service and clinical care.
Glenview Terrace has earned a reputation for offering one of the best post-hospital care programs in the area. They provide one-on-one physical, occupational and speech therapies up to seven days a week with the goal of returning the patient home as quickly as possible. The expert nursing team and support staff are ready with round-the-clock care for every need that arises from wound care to pain management.
This specialized care is offered in an elegant environment. The well-appointed rooms and suites are filled with custom-designed furnishings and include a deluxe bathroom with a private shower. Post-hospital rehabilitation guests are pampered with a variety of amenities including attentive concierge service, morning coffee and newspaper delivered daily to the room, diverse menu selections and much more. The attractive grounds and tranquil fountain are just some of the extras that go into creating an inviting environment for recovery.
When looking for compassionate care with elegance, consider Glenview Terrace, where the goal is to quickly and safely get you back to your independent lifestyle. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.