While the success of your hand surgery greatly depends on your orthopedic surgeon’s skills, obtaining the best results also has a lot to do with what you do prior to and after the procedure.
Below are a few tips to help you prepare for your hand surgery to ensure both your safety and comfort; as well as, maximize the benefits from the procedure.
Tip#1 Make the Necessary Home Arrangements.
Do your grocery shopping one to two days prior to your procedure so your groceries are still fresh after surgery. Purchase foods that promote healing; such as, leafy green vegetables, eggs, salmon, berries, nut and seeds, etc. Place food and kitchen items at arm’s level to ensure easy access.
Moreover, it helps to arrange your furniture beforehand. Fall-proof your bathroom and other areas within your home. Have some chairs with armrests accessible so you may use them whenever you need to rest your hand. Be sure to place items you frequently use within easy reach.
Tip #2 Follow Your Care Team’s Preoperative Instructions to a Tee.
Your orthopedic surgeon will provide you with a detailed set of preoperative instructions. Following all of them is crucial for lowering your risk for complications.
Your instructions may include the following:
- Fasting for at least six hours prior to surgery
- Avoiding alcohol consumption at least 24 hours beforehand
- Wearing loose and comfortable clothing the day of surgery
- Reporting health changes (e.g., fever, rash, cold, etc.)
Tip #3 Ask Your Family Members or Friends for Help.
You will need someone to drive you to and from your surgery; as well as, assist you with doing things around the house after your hand surgery. Enlist the help of your family and/or friends beforehand. Having a support system lined up during your recovery will help you feel relaxed, comfortable, and overall at ease.
Tip #4 Show Up for All of Your Preoperative Hand Therapy Sessions Diligently.
If your orthopedic surgeon has recommended preoperative rehabilitation (prehab), make sure you attend all of your appointments and follow all of your therapist’s instructions. When you’re in pain, therapy can seem rather punitive than beneficial, and it can be tempting to slack off or quit altogether, but keep in mind that your adherence is crucial for ensuring your quick and successful recovery.
Hand Surgeons Near Me in Maryland
Here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our board-certified and highly experienced orthopedic surgeons have dedicated their career to helping people who suffer from all sorts of upper-extremity problems feel, move, and live well. Should they deem hand surgery necessary for you, you can rely on them to guide you every step of the way— from preparing for your procedure all the way through your recovery.
Book a consultation with one of our hand surgeons today. Contact our staff at (410) 296-6232 or submit an appointment request using this form. We are eager to give you a “helping hand!”
