Three Tips To Prepare For Your Pre-Operative Neurosurgery Appointment
Once a neurosurgeon determines that a surgical procedure is the best form of treatment for your condition, they will schedule what is called a pre-op appointment. While it might seem much less important than surgery day, this appointment is very important. It is critical that you be prepared so that you can get the most out of the visit and ensure a more successful outcome.
Arrive On Time
Before a surgeon can safely perform a procedure, they must check that the patient is in good enough physical health to sustain the operation. For this reason, you will generally be required to undergo a complete workup during the pre-operative appointment.
For example, for spine surgery, this workup could include a serious of blood tests and X-rays. If you arrive at your appointment late, some of these exams may have to be rescheduled. Since it can often take several days to get the results of these tests, a delay in the receipt of results could lead to a delay in your procedure.
Update Any Symptoms
Let the neurosurgeon know if you have begun to experience any new symptoms. When it comes to conditions that affect the spine, nervous system, and brain, a change in symptoms could signal trouble. Based on the symptom, the physician might want to schedule an additional test or, in some instances, move up the operation date.
For example, with brain tumors, a change in the location of any headaches or a sudden, lasting feeling of nausea can sometimes indicate that a tumor is expanding. Remember, when it comes to your health, anything that does not feel right to you should be addressed, so do not hesitate to speak up.
Ask About Post-Operative Care
The medical team will discuss your post-operative care instructions during your pre-operative appointment. While this information will be provided to you again on the day of the surgery, you may be sedated or anxious on the day of the procedure and less able to retain anything. So, prepare some questions that you want to ask that might be specific to your needs.
For example, if you have young children, you can ask if you need to limit picking up your children after the procedure. It is also a good idea to ask someone close to you to accompany you so that they can collect the information as well.
Keep these tips in mind so that you can arrive for your operation prepared and well-informed.
To learn more, contact a resource like Southwest Florida Neurosurgical & Rehab Associates.