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FAQ - What can I do to prepare myself for surgery?
First of all - RELAX!
Ask questions and do your research before going to hospital, but once there, try not to dwell or dither over your decision. You will generally be in good hands and there is plenty of evidence that being over-anxious affects your immune system, which in turn may impede your recovery. Think positive!
It is sensible to get as fit as you can before surgery, depending on how much time you have before your admission. Could you lose a bit of weight? This tones the metabolism and makes complications less likely.
It should be common-sense that smoking and alcohol are habits that do not mix well with surgery! Stop smoking at least 6 weeks before and cut down on alcohol to no more than the recommended limits published by Government from time to time.
If having a joint replacement, consider taking extra iron in the form of ferrous sulphate, 200 milligrams twice daily, up to four weeks beforehand. This will build your iron stores and help prevent post-operative anaemia. There are a few rare contra-indications, for instance thalassaemia and haemochromatosis, but you or your pharmacist will generally know this already.
