What to Expect Before, During and After Orthopedic Surgery
Although surgery isn’t always the answer to what ails you orthopedically, for some patients, it’s the best option to reduce pain, improve mobility, or repair a broken or faulty structure. While it’s nearly always advisable to try more conservative methods first, if surgery is the chosen route to restore wellness, it’s a good idea to be prepared for what lies ahead.
Before Surgery:
Before the decision is made to move ahead with surgery, your doctor (or insurance company) may want you to first try alternative treatments. These include physical therapy or other attempts to heal without the necessity of surgery. Once surgery has been scheduled, taking certain supplements leading up to your procedure is wise to prepare your body for the physical stress of surgery and boost your immune system.
If the decision to operate is made, you’ll meet with all members of your care team, undergo pre-op tests, be able to ask any questions and get reassurance if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Remember to follow any instructions your doctor gives you ahead of time.
Before surgery, you will also have a conversation with your surgeon regarding the risks and benefits of the procedure. A detailed analysis should happen and any questions you or your family may have should be answered. This is called ‘informed consent’.
During Surgery:
First, if you and your surgeon have made the informed decision to opt for surgery, rest assured that this decision was made only after careful consideration and collaboration and ultimately you should remain confident that this is the right course of action.
At the hospital or surgery center, your surgical team will make you comfortable and guide you through the steps that will be taken as you prepare to “sleep.” Your family may be notified of your progress and will get word when you have been moved to recovery.
After Surgery:
After being moved to recovery, you’ll be allowed visitors and will learn more about when you can go home and what support you might need. Your team will help with pain management and assist you with mobility. Do not be surprised if you cannot recall any immediate conversations that happened in the recovery room. This is not unusual due to the effects of the anesthesia medications.
No matter what type of orthopedic surgery you’ve just had, some post-op protocols will be consistent with any type of surgery. These include following any instructions from your doctor, asking any questions you may have for your care team, resting, keeping follow-up appointments, following the suggested exercise regimen prescribed by your physician, drinking fluids, taking medication as prescribed, keeping a positive attitude, and nurturing mental health. Optimism and a positive mindset is critical for optimizing your recovery.
Active recovery is important for proper, fast healing, including preventing infection and other complications. Consider alternating ice and heat. One way to do this is by using gel packs to reduce pain and inflammation. Walk as tolerated and under the direction of your physician and their recommendations for assistive devices. Among other health benefits, walking will help prevent potential blood clots. Any movement, even of the other limbs can also mitigate this risk to a degree. Continue with supplements as directed to promote general and tissue healing.
Warner Orthopedics & Wellness
Dr. Meredith Warner, MD is a Baton Rouge orthopedic surgeon who formulated an exclusive line of supplements to further support your recovery before, during, and after orthopedic surgery. Whether you’re looking to alleviate pain and inflammation before or after surgery or crave that good night’s sleep that is often disturbed after surgery or with pre-surgery anxiety. Make these supplements part of your overall healing plan.
CBD Multivitamin
A full-spectrum hemp multi-complex packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support bone, joint, immune, and connective tissue health as well as PEA, a compound produced naturally by the body to ease pain and inflammation. Experience reduced stress and anxiety and improved overall wellness. Contains magnesium oxide, vitamin C, zinc gluconate, vitamin D3, and calcium citrate, all nutrients that support your body’s daily functions, including healing wounds, incisions, and injuries, especially before and after surgery.
Tart Cherry Extract
A powerhouse supplement designed to ignite rapid muscle recovery, support healthy blood flow, and reduce inflammation. Tart Cherry Extract is one of Dr. Warner’s favorite supplements for pain relief and a natural alternative to NSAIDs. Restores the health of overused muscles and joints and is antioxidant-rich to fight free radicals.
Restful Sleep Gummies
Featuring tart cherry extract, melatonin, chamomile, and GABA, restful sleep gummies support overall sleep quality- fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed without feeling groggy. Formulated to fight oxidative stress, increase joint mobility, and combat inflammation. Enjoy natural pain relief that works as well as NSAIDs without the worrisome side effects.
