Being informed on what happens before, during and after surgery can make the process seem a little less daunting.
Preparing for a surgery can be stressful and regardless of the size of the procedure, it is perfectly normal to have some pre-surgical jitters. Anxiety is a natural response and the most common questions we hear from patients often revolve around pain and the recovery process. While most procedures are done under some sort of anesthesia, patients frequently want to know more about what their pain levels will be before, during and after the procedure and ultimately, how long it will take them to fully recover from the surgery.
Anesthesia & Pain Levels
Before entering the Surgical Suite, patients are introduced to an anesthesiologist. An anesthesiologist ensures that the patient is comfortable and feels as little pain as possible throughout the entire procedure. To prepare, the anesthesiologist will ask questions about your health, previous surgeries, allergies, and the medicine you are currently taking in order to choose the safest and most suitable anesthetic. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pain management, it is best to ask them during your consultation, before any anesthetics are administered. During the procedure, the anesthesiologist will continue to closely monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to make sure you remain comfortable as the doctor performs the surgery.
Recovery
Once the surgery is complete, the healing process begins. This can be a stressful time as most patients are concerned about getting back to normal and the time it will take them to be able to live a healthy life following surgery. Every situation is unique and a full recovery will depend on the type of surgery performed, the age and condition of the patient, any complications that may have arisen and most importantly the patient’s willingness to recover. Being fully committed to recovering and having a strong will to get better will play a big role in your recovery. Additionally, having a strong support system helps a lot during the recovery process.
Being Well-Informed
Not knowing what to expect is a big cause of pre-surgical anxiety. With the help of the White Plains Hospital Surgical Guide, we provide our patients with as much information as possible from how to prepare for your operation to post-operative care. At White Plains Hospital, your surgical care is in the right hands. If you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming surgery, medication or if you are dealing with any kind of pre-surgical anxiety, please speak to your physician.