How to Prepare for Open Heart Surgery
When it comes to your health in general, and surgery in particular, it's not true that you can simply "go along for the ride." The choices you make prior to your open heart surgery can dramatically impact your attitude going into the procedure and your level of comfort with the surgery itself. Preparation will also impact the speed and success with which you heal. Follow these steps to optimize your surgery's results.
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Instructions
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Address Your Fears
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Understand that the anxiety you are feeling is natural. Every person who has ever had open heart surgery has had some fears about the process and concerns about how he will feel afterwards. You are not alone.
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Share any concerns with your doctor, and ask her for advice and references. It is absolutely your right to ask for more information about a procedure that affects you so profoundly. It is likely that just knowing a few more facts than you do now will make you feel more confident.
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Know that hundreds of thousands of successful open heart surgeries take place in the United States every year. The procedure may sound threatening or intimidating, but in reality, it's a common procedure.
Understand the Procedure
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Prepare to have several tests done when you are admitted to the hospital, including platelet count, urine tests and other preparatory procedures to make sure that you are in good shape for surgery.
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Expect to have your chest shaved (if applicable), to be taken off of food for at least several hours prior to surgery and to be put on an IV drip. Anticipating these steps can make them seem less jarring when they occur.
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Read the National Library of Medicine's website on open heart surgery to educate yourself on this life-saving procedure. See the Resources section below for a link.
Prepare for Your Surgery and Hospital Stay
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Know that most patients undergoing open heart surgery are in the hospital for several days at a minimum, and are usually admitted the day before the procedure.
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Arrange for any child care, pet care or house-sitting that needs to be done during your hospital stay.
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Quit smoking, if you are a smoker, as this can increase the risk of clotting or other complications during the surgery. Ask your doctor if you can switch to a nicotine patch or use another cigarette alternative.
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Arrange for friends and family to visit you post-surgery. The support of your loved ones is crucial at this time. If you are alone, ask your doctor about a hospital-based support group.
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Tips & Warnings
Know that open heart surgery is not a one-time cure-all. Making lifestyle changes can prevent the need for future surgeries. Ask your doctor why you need the surgery and what you can do to become an example of radiant health.
