How to Prepare Yourself for Open Heart Surgery?

Answer 1

Preparing for any kind of surgery can be scary. This is especially the case for open heart surgery. However, there are a number of things you can do to make this experience much less frightening. If you prepare yourself, you will be much less apprehensive and worried about the procedure.

First, you should try to confront your fears. You should understand that feeling anxiety before an open heart surgery is completely natural. Take comfort in the fact you are not alone in these feelings. Everyone who has had the same surgery has had similar fears about the procedure and life afterwards.

You should, however, not burden these feelings by yourself. Share all concerns you have with your spouse, family, friends, and especially your doctor. You can ask your doctor for advice as well as references that can help you. Learning more about the surgery can have the ability of erasing some of that uncertainty you may feel. It can make you feel much more confident.

You should also be aware of the fact that every year hundreds of thousands of very successful open heart surgeries are completed in the US. The idea of undergoing such a surgery may seem scary. However, in reality, it is actually a very routine procedure.

You should also understand the steps you will need to take to prepare for the procedure itself. This includes a number of tests you must take at the hospital. This will probably include having your platelet count taken, your urine tested, and a number of other procedures. You may also have your chest hair shaved and be told to avoid food for several hours before surgery.

If you smoke, you should make sure to quit smoking well before your surgery. Smoking can create certain risks during open heart surgery such as unwanted blood clotting.

You should also do a few things to prepare for that hospital stay that will come after surgery. You should be aware that after an open heart surgery you will be required to stay in the hospital for at least several days.

Due to this fact, you will need to prepare for that hospital stay. If you have any children under your care, make sure they are being taken care of by a responsible adult while you are away. You may also need to board any pets. Hiring a house sitter may also be a good idea.