If you’re experiencing an upcoming orthopedic surgery, it’s common to feel overwhelmed or nervous. Surgery is a major medical procedure, but there are steps you can take, both before and after your orthopedic surgery to ease your journey to recovery. Read on for our best tips and to navigate your upcoming surgery.
What you should know before your orthopedic surgery
Before your orthopedic surgery, you might be asked to do an additional series of tests. These can include additional bloodwork, scans, x-rays, or physical examinations to tell your doctors what they need to know about your body, before the procedure. They will also likely draw labs or do scans on the day of the procedure to better understand both status and positioning of the bone at the time of your surgery.
You will not be permitted to eat prior to surgery. This reduces the risk of aspiration during surgery which can cause serious side effects during your healing process.
Does orthopedic surgery hurt?
Like any surgery, orthopedic surgery is considered to be an invasive medical procedure. At the time of your surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia which many patients know as “being asleep.” You will not have a recollection of any pain or experiences during the surgery and will wake up in recovery.
However, orthopedic surgery pain can occur, which your medical team will help you manage with oral or intravenous pain medication, as well as pain mitigation techniques.
What should I expect after the surgical process?
The healing process after orthopedic surgery can look different for everyone. There are measures you can take prior to orthopedic surgery to reduce your pain and enhance your experience. Such as:
- Follow your aftercare instructions
Your physician will send you home with aftercare instructions to support you in your healing process. Follow them as closely as possible. - Rest and avoid strain
Don’t try to take on too much too soon. Allow yourself to rest and fully heal before moving on to the next level of approved activity. - Create a pain management plan
Work with your physician to complete a specialized pain management plan that suits your needs. Your physician will be able to advise you on what medications are safe to take and can help you avoid unpleasant side effects.
Carolina’s Center for Surgery Offers Orthopedic Surgery in Jacksonville
Carolina’s Center for Surgery offers expert medical assistance to patients in Jacksonville as well as the greater Morehead City and Swansboro areas. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your orthopedic surgical needs with one of our highly experienced orthopedic, general surgery and pain management experts