- Ask all the questions. During your consultation and pre-operative appointments, make sure you ask all the questions. Put together a list of questions to bring with you to appointments if you are afraid of forgetting them. Bring a friend or family member with you as well to your appointments to help ask questions and be involved in your care.
- Share the details. During your consultation, you will share a detailed history of the problem that concerns you, when it began and when it happens. You’ll also share a detailed medical history, family history and a list of current medications, including any over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements you take.
- Line up help. Depending on the type of surgery you are having, you may need help at home. This could be anything from someone to take you home after surgery to someone who helps you with housework and other chores while you recover. If you care for children or parents, then you may need to line up care for them so that you can focus on your rest and recovery once you get home from the hospital.
- Listen up. After your surgery, be sure to follow all of your caregivers’ instructions, even if you think the direction doesn’t apply to you. It’s important that you ask questions, especially if you don’t understand a directive and how it applies to you.
- Do whatever you can to prevent a fall. Some surgical and recovery medications can make you weak and unsteady on your feet. Ask for help in getting around, especially in the first few days after surgery.
- Keep asking questions. If you are unsure of a post-surgical instruction or are concerned that an infection or blood clot is forming, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare team. Have contact information in a convenient place should you notice signs of complication.
If you need a consultation for an orthopedic concern, call (219) 795-3360 to schedule an appointment.
