PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Although there are many aspects to preparing for back surgery, especially in this time of cautious return to elective surgery, and not all patients need every component. However, every patient can benefit from putting together a set question and preparation list. Doing so can be incredibly helpful to the patient and the doctor in moving forward with the surgery as well as in experiencing a speedy recovery.
This includes gathering all the information you want/need, according to your personal information processing style to considerations regarding adequate pain control. Doing so ensures an appropriate level of patient assertiveness with those treating you. It is best to list out all the questions and concerns you have regarding everything from your surgery to COVID precautions to the follow up process post-op.
Naturally, the amount and quality of information each patient should gather about their surgery for optimal results is also a function of personality style. This includes how well you remember, understand and process medical information. Generally the more information a person has about their back-surgery procedure and the recovery process, the better he or she will do post-operatively. However, you need to decide if you are the person to intake that information OR if it is more your style to bring a trusted person with you to help, especially post-op.
Just as people vary in how they handle surgery, studies show so too there are differences in how information about stressful events, such as surgery, are managed. These different individual styles, as applied to surgical preparation, can be classified into two groups:
Information Seekers
The more information they are given about the surgery, the better they do. If they are not given enough information, they tend to show increased anxiety due to not feeling in control. Building a checklist and a question sheet prior to their surgery date, that they can review with their surgeon, and reference later, is calming.
Information Avoiders
In the face of the stress, these individuals may do worse if given an overwhelming amount of information about surgery. Being provided with a great deal of information results in more anxiety. This can correlate with a worse post-op outcome. If you relate to this style, some level of denial and distraction may work best for you. Identify someone who can help to gather your questions, surgery details and help you manage all of this before, during and after. Handing off the information gathering process helps you feel more in control of your situation.
If you identify as a Seeker, it is likely you are independent and organized; thus the want for a specific list of questions for your doctor, nurse, etc. These questions might include requesting research, even videos, regarding your surgical procedure. Be sure to review the information at least a week prior to surgery, in order to have adequate time to ask any follow up questions. Avoid saving everything for the last minute or while you are being prepped for your procedure.
However, if you identify as an Avoider, you likely do not absorb information well in the moment. Most often you are focused on the moment at hand versus what is going to happen. Inviting a friend or family member along to take notes takes the stress of you trying to take in and remember everything. The notes can be referred to when you have questions later and during your post-op recovery.
A patient knowing their surgical style can make all the difference in achieving an optimal surgery experience and surgical outcome.
