It may be scary to think about surgery and the steps that are needed to have a smooth, pain-free surgery experience for both before and after anesthesia. There are several dos and don’ts when undergoing anesthesia and following a post-surgery protocol. Though, if you follow this simple guide, you are bound to have a safe and pain-free process.
Before Undergoing Anesthesia
Follow the specific food instructions given to you by your doctor
It is important to follow the exact instructions your healthcare provider assigns to you regarding what and when you can eat and drink. Not following the specific instructions can lead to discomfort, complications, and may require you to cancel or even reschedule the surgery.
Provide your doctor with the medications you take and any allergies you have
When it comes to surgery, patient information is everything. If the surgeons are unaware of the patient’s current medications and allergies, this may cause complications with the surgery as some may interfere with the anesthetic. It is important to be transparent with your medical team to ensure there are no unknown factors going into surgery.
After Undergoing Anesthesia
Follow the specific food instructions given to you by your doctor
Just as it is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor regarding food and drink before surgery, it is also important to follow instructions after. Generally, doctors recommend drinking small amounts of liquids and to avoid foods that are difficult to digest after surgery. Though, it is important to follow the direct instructions from your doctor to avoid nausea and discomfort.
Limit activity after anesthesia
Anesthesia may affect your reaction time and judgment post-surgery, so it is important to steer clear of any activities that could potentially put you in danger such as operating a vehicle, intense exercise, or any activity that is physically strenuous.
Take medicine as prescribed
Your doctor may prescribe medication to take after your surgery to prevent any pain or discomfort. It is important to not only follow the exact dosage, but it is also important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. Specifically, how often you can take it and what you can and can not take in addition to it.
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