From an interview with
Myra Alton, Certified Nurse Anesthetist
McLeod Health

There are many things patients can do to prepare themselves for the surgical experience and to help ensure a positive outcome. McLeod Certified Nurse Anesthetist Myra Alton explains.

“When a patient is planning for surgery, it’s a good idea to just really focus on themselves in those few weeks prior to the operation. Being in good health, eating properly, good nutrition, keeping hydrated, staying active, and preparing themselves, emotionally and physically for what’s to come. Making early preparations for your post-op care, knowing that you have someone who can be there to care for you in the post-op phase, and some people don’t have the luxury of having a lot of family around them to do that. So, thinking about meal preparation beforehand, understanding and following all the guidelines that are given to you by the physician’s office on how to care for your body pre-op.

If you’re a smoker, it’s a great idea to try and put cigarettes down two to four weeks prior to an anesthetic. Post-op pain management is something to consider afterwards, and having prescriptions filled prior to your discharge so that you can begin taking those and have them on board and stay ahead of your pain.

Here are the kinds of things that a patient might experience post-op. Waking up from anesthesia can be scary. You’re disoriented and confused sometimes, which is just a brief period of time that you experience that. You may experience some nausea and vomiting that’s fairly often associated with anesthesia. You’ll be given medications by your anesthesia providers to address both nausea and vomiting and any post-op pain.

Never, ever hesitate to ask your anesthesia provider for help if you’re feeling discomfort. We have ways of negating that, and we can take care of your needs as you experience them. Every patient is different. So, let us know what your concerns are. We’re there for you.”

To learn more about preparing for surgery, speak with a member of your surgical team.