Complete medical evaluation: Your doctor will take your health history, learn which medications you take and give you a total physical. Your doctor may also order specialized tests to ensure you are strong enough for surgery and recovery. You also may want to discuss surgery with your primary care physician.

Preliminary lab work: As part of your pre-admission process, you will need to undergo routine lab work. Your physician's nurse can explain what each test is and why you need it.

You may also want to discuss with your doctor, treatment options that will help you keep your red blood cell levels up before surgery and manage blood loss in elective surgery. There are drugs available to treat anemia. Please consult your doctor.

By building up your supply of red blood cells prior to surgery, your body is better equipped to cope with blood loss during surgery, and you are less likely to need a transfusion during or after surgery. Anemia which is characterized by fatigue, dizziness and irritability, can only hinder your recovery.

Preparing for Surgery

• Commit to the success of your surgery. Working as a team, you, your physician and your family must adopt a positive attitude toward the success of your surgery. Together, you will gain a clear understanding of the common goals and expectations of the procedure.
• Stay informed by asking many questions of doctors and taking notes; do research on your surgery by going to your library or searching the Internet.
• If it applies, make a sincere commitment to physical therapy after the surgery, to help ensure a successful recovery.

To make your life easier after surgery, it pays to think ahead about how to make your home safe and efficient. Here are some tips that can help:

• Arrange for help now. You may not be able to drive immediately after your surgery. This means you will need the assistance of someone who can drive you to your follow-up medical appointments and help you with shopping and errands. Try to line up this assistance now.
• Stock up on essentials. Have convenience foods ready or make and freeze some casseroles that you can simply warm up later. Stock up on extra toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, etc. so you have plenty on hand.
• Reorganize your home for convenience and comfort upon your return.
• Obtain assistance items. It makes sense to have certain things ready when you return home, such as a cordless phone, reaching aids and bathing aids. Check with your surgeon and hospital to identify which items will be provided for you at discharge.
• Be sure to have help with daily activities if you believe you will need help.
• Consider stopping smoking if you have not already done so. One reason is because smoking may reduce your red blood cell count. Stopping smoking will be good for you during and after your surgery.

Packing for the Hospital