9 Ways to Help Someone Prepare for Surgery
If you're helping someone who is about to have surgery, you might
feel nervous, or overwhelmed, or like you have a lot of
responsibility. Yes, it can be stressful. But there are things you
can do to make the experience go as smoothly as possible.
Before the surgery
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Be considerate. Talk with the person you're
helping about how they would like you to support them.
Some people may want someone with them every step of the
way. But others may want to go to appointments alone, or
ask the doctor some questions privately. Be sure to know
and respect their preferences.
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Be present. Offer to go to appointments when you
can. And offer to help prepare questions to ask the
doctor. It helps to write down the answers so you can
remember them later.
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Be knowledgeable. Help the person follow any
special instructions or restrictions before the surgery.
These are things like instructions for when to stop eating
and what medicines should be taken or stopped.
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Be prepared. Make sure the person brings test
results, medicine lists, and identification to the
hospital. Help them put together a bag for their hospital
stay. Clothes, books, reading glasses, and electronic
tablets are some things that might go in the bag.
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During the hospital stay
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Ask questions when you have them, and write down the
answers.
And keep track of important pieces of information from the
care team.
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Advocate for the person you're helping. Help them
communicate their needs to the care team. And if you have
concerns, share them with the care team.
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Getting ready to go home
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Understand the discharge instructions. Ask
questions about what you and the person you're helping
should expect during recovery. Ask how long recovery may
take.
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Prepare the home. Get any medical equipment or
supplies you may need. If the person you're helping will
be on a special diet, shop for the types of things they
can eat. And prepare a space for them that will be
comfortable and safe while they recover.
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Plan for getting home. If you're going by car,
think about how the person you're helping will get in and
out of it. If you think you may need help getting them in
and out of the car (or on and off the bus or train), bring
someone along who can help.
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Current as of: November 16, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have
questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise,
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