Having surgery at a hospital can make any person nervous, as there are a lot of unknowns. But did you know you can take some simple steps to ensure that your post-surgical experience is both pleasant and comfortable?
Before arriving at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, there are certain preparations you can make. One important step is to make prior arrangements with your physician to have all prescriptions related to your post-surgery recovery filled in advance and ready to be taken at home.
“This may include medications for pain, nausea and possibly post-op antibiotics,” said Debra Shore, Clinical Coordinator at Henry Mayo’s Inpatient Surgery Recovery Room. “As a result, there won’t be any questions regarding their availability at home as soon as the patient is released from the hospital.”
Patients should also advise their physicians of any existing medications they are taking, including names and dosages. Wallet-sized cards to serve this function are available at the information desk inside the hospital’s main lobby.
“It’s a very good idea to write all your medications down with the dosages and times you take them and keep a copy in your wallet or purse so that it’s readily available to you or your loved one,” said Shore.
Another good idea is to stock up on light food at home so that upon return from surgery, appropriate food that is less likely to cause nausea is ready to be eaten. This may include light soups, pudding, jello and non-citrus juices. It is important that the patient discuss the appropriate food with their physician.
Patients and their families should also ask their physician for some reading materials on the type of surgery they are having and the expectations post-operatively.
“The more prepared you are, the better you’ll feel,” Shore said. “Being prepared reduces the stress and anxiety, and it’ll pave the way for a much better patient experience.”
Upon being discharged from the hospital, there are certain preparations patients and their loved ones can make to ensure a positive recovery experience at home.
“Discharge planning should begin as soon as possible, because it is beneficial to the patient,” said Sue Walroth, RN, Director of Telemetry Services.
One important thing to prepare for is to find out what services your insurance will pay.
“It’s not unusual for many patients and their family members to find out that their insurance won’t pay for many services and items needed at home,” said Walroth. Some examples include wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen. Also, some insurance may pay for home health, but not for physical therapy.
“That’s why it makes sense to begin as soon as possible to investigate what follow-up care and supplies will be paid for by the insurance and what the patient will have to pay for with their own money,” said Walroth.
It is also recommended that patients discuss the following items with their doctors and/or case managers as part of their discharge planning:
Any concerns about changes in medical condition that may have occurred as a result of treatment.
Any likely symptoms or problems that may occur when the patient is at home.
The patient’s care plan, the caregivers’ needs, and any adjustments in the home or a person’s schedule that must be made to meet the caregivers’ needs.
“The sooner preparations are made for a patient’s discharge from the hospital, the better that patient’s chances will be of experiencing a good recovery at home,” said Walroth. “It’s all about being well prepared, and at Henry Mayo, our healthcare providers are more than happy to assist.”
For more information about Henry Mayo programs and services, please visit www.henrymayo.com .