Preparing for your surjery?

[nowornever]

You've Scheduled Your Appointment - Now What!?
Now is the time for you to have second thoughts, run around looking for bras, experience anxiety and have your life in an emotional upheaval. For many, this is a very stressful time, but it doesn't have to be. It is perfectly natural for you to be freaking out now that surgery is a few weeks away. Just following the advice composed with the help of real patients and things will go much more smoothly.

The Pre-Operative Appointment
If you schedule a surgery date you will more than likely schedule a pre-operative visit appointment, as well. This will entail another trip to the surgeon's office, bloodwork (labs) to check your red and white blood cell counts (a CBC test), among other things. This will identify any pre-existing disorders such as anemia, some cancers (leukemia or lymphoma), it evaluates blood loss, determines the possibility of infections diseases.


You can also predetermine those who may be high risk to post-operative infections. Usually before surgery, a white cell blood count only is performed, as well as a pregnancy test if you are of childbearing age and have that physical capability. Although a related test known as the hematocrit test may be performed.

And please quit smoking now. It will highly reduce your risk of necrotic tissue. Do not take any chances with this. Smoking and major surgery like this can make your scars huge and ugly and not heal well at all. This is your life.

You will go over your post-operative instructions and what medications you shouldn't be taking as well as the ones you should take before surgery. Also you may be instructed to get a mammogram. You will be instructed to get one if you are 35 or over (some surgeons instruct their younger patients to get a mammogram as well) if you are getting breast implants as well so be prepared.

You will also be given (or should be given) a list of medications that you must cease or avoid taking. These medications will mostly be aspirin-containing products and supplements that may inhibit clot formation or cause problems with anesthesia

[aia44]

I have to agree with you when you say to quit smoking. Smoking can greatly reduce your ability to heal, which can cause more complications.