Many of us know, and have experience with, the many team members comprising the health care system today — from doctors and registered nurses to pharmacists, and social workers, just to name a few. Surgeons, though, represent a unique group within this community. To start, there are fewer of us — about 18,000 practicing general surgeons in the U.S. compared to more than 250,000 primary care physicians.
Additionally, and interestingly, there is a certain mystique associated with what surgeons do. That’s probably because the work of a surgeon is not out in the open; the majority of it occurs behind closed doors, while people are unconscious. In addition, that work involves a certain physicality and precise control — an incorrect movement of our hands, at the wrong time, can cause death. This statement, although dramatic, is true.
[See: 10 Ways to Prepare for Surgery.]
All of these reasons are why, I believe, many medical shows and movies focus on, revolve around or highlight surgeons. Even though this mystique might add a certain “cool” factor to the job of a surgeon, it can also make surgeons seem unapproachable to the public and patients, in particular.
That said, before you have a surgery, here are five things a surgeon wants you to know:
We want you to ask questions. Meeting with a surgeon can be overwhelming. Either you have been referred to a surgeon after receiving a diagnosis, or you might be in the emergency room. Regardless of how you meet us, you will be presented with a lot of information, during what might be a very difficult time for you or a loved one. After we share all of the information with you, we ask if you have any questions. Not surprisingly, while you are trying to process everything, questions are sometimes difficult to produce. Please know that is OK. I often advise patients to get a notebook, and jot down questions as they come to you. Either while you are at home, awaiting surgery or in the hospital following an operation. That way, when your surgeon does come to talk to you, your questions will be ready, and your surgeon will be able to answer them.
Second opinions are great, but “Dr. Google” should not be one of them. We know the moment you receive a new diagnosis or are given a surgeon’s name as a referral, you look for more information about both online. We do want you to be informed about your condition, the surgery you will undergo and treatment options. However, please know that although the internet can be (not always, but can be) a good source for general information, a true second opinion on your individual care should come from a second surgeon. You want the opinion of someone who is board certified in his or her field by his or her professional organization after having trained for over a decade.
[See: 7 Ways Technology Can Torpedo Your Health.]
Your surgery starts before you even go into the operating room. How you take care of yourself before your surgeon even makes an incision counts. If you smoke, stop smoking. If you don’t exercise, start a walking program with approval from your physician. If you are not eating healthy (aka, a well-balanced diet including fruits and veggies) and taking your vitamins, make a trip to the grocery store or ask a loved one to go on your behalf. Your overall health — smoking status, exercise tolerance, weight and nutrition — all directly impact how successful your surgery can be and how likely it will be that you might have a complication. Which now leads me to my next point.
Unfortunately, complications do happen, but it’s important to remember they are not always someone’s “fault.” Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, wound infections and unexpected bleeding are all types of complications that can occur even when everything is done right. One of the best approaches to address any concerns you have is to be proactive. Ask your surgeon what types of complications you might encounter with your operation and how those could be treated. Knowing your risks will help you face any fears you might have. And rest assured, your surgeon (likely) already has a plan in place, in case a complication happens.
Pain is inevitable. To put it bluntly, you will have it. If you think about how much a paper cut can hurt, a surgery, where sharp instruments are involved, is going to hurt, too. There is a big misconception that pain medication will erase all the pain. In fact, it is impossible to take all of your pain away without harming you. I’m always surprised that my patients are surprised to discover they have pain after surgery. The main objective of your pain-management after surgery is to decrease the pain, but not completely erase it — the point is to make the pain tolerable, so you can walk, shower and participate in any therapy that might be recommended for you.
[See: Your Guide to Over-the-Counter Pain Relief.]
Remember: Your surgeon wants your surgery to be successful as much as you do. Think of you and your surgeon as a team, and as the famous saying goes, “There is no ‘I’ in team.” That means communicating effectively with your surgeon, setting appropriate expectations for your pain levels and recovery time, and preparing your body and mind before surgery. All of these are keys to making your surgery a success.
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5 Things Your Surgeon Wants You to Know — Before Surgery originally appeared on usnews.com
