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by Sandy Burkart

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.”

~ Proverbs 23:7

The mind is a powerful tool that we can use for our good and well being. The above scripture is simple, yet profound. Our thoughts can dictate our health and mindset. Using this knowledge, we can prepare ourselves for a successful surgery and quick healing. Below are some actionable items you can take to set yourself up for success:

1. PREPARE YOUR BODY: Months ahead of surgery strengthen your body with resistance training and cardio. Research from UVA says that exercise before surgery can protect muscles and nerves from damage after surgery as well as enable a better recovery. There are many supplements that you can take to prepare your body such as PectaSol-C, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Arnica Montana, etc., however this should all be done under the guidance of a Naturopath or Functional Doctor and with your Surgeon’s knowledge. Be mindful that certain supplements can interfere with anesthesia such as melatonin and CBD. Other ones such as Fish Oil, St. John’s Wort, Ginger and Curcumin have blood thinning properties and should be stopped 5 days to 2 weeks prior to your surgery.

2. PREPARE YOUR HOME: Join a Facebook group for the particular surgery you are having to get great pointers and preparation ideas. Many times these groups will have guides with lists of helpful items to purchase ahead of time to have when you get back home and hospital packing list suggestions. Be sure to re-read any material your surgeons give you several times so you don’t miss key points. I used my recent surgery to buy a new bed that we really needed any ways. I chose to buy an adjustable bed that was invaluable when I got back home and had to sleep with my head and legs propped up. I highly recommend SAATVA MATRESSES AND ADJUSTABLE BEDS because of the low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) in their latex hybrid, competitive pricing and excellent white glove service

3. PREPARE YOUR MIND: This book and meditation download from Peggy Huddleston are essentials for surgery prep!

BOOK

Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster: A Guide of Mind-Body Techniques

MEDITATION

Surgery CD: Heal Faster – Prepare Before and After Surgery (Relax into Healing Series)

The author states the importance of preparing your mind for an excellent surgery and prepping with guided meditations. The meditations are to be listened to prior to surgery, during surgery and after surgery.

4. PREPARE YOUR ANESTHESIOLOGIST: In “Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster”, the author has several statements for your anesthesiologist to read out loud as you are being put under and other statements to read as your surgery is coming to an end. Peggy Huddleston says that the mind is very suggestive while under anesthesia.

For my recent DIEP Flap surgery I let the anesthesiologist know that I loved Christian music and I would appreciate very positive talk in the OR. I also told her that if my blood pressure needed to be higher for her to speak to my body and tell it what the blood pressure should be. I had her repeat 5x as I was going under: “Following this operation, you will feel very comfortable and you will heal very well.” Towards the end of my surgery I had her repeat 5x “Following this operation you will be hungry. You will feel very comfortable and you will heal very well.”

It was no surprise that I woke up with no pain and feeling well!! This was my 4th surgery and the only one after which I didn’t throw up from the anesthesia. Also, stating that Christian music made me feel calm, let the surgical team know how to make me feel comfortable. When I walked in the operating room, Christian music playing for me.

5. PREPARE YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS: Find out ahead of time what help you will need. Do you need rides to follow up appointments, help with meals, help with kids, etc.? This is also where a Facebook group can be beneficial, seeing what others needed. Getting the support you need will be crucial to speedy healing, so speak up and ask for it. I was so blessed to have my parents and brother come to stay with us and help. This was invaluable. Of course, my daughters and husband were super supportive and helpful, too!

OTHER SUGGESTIONS: Studies have shown that acupuncture reduces post operative pain and the amount of pain medications needed. I had 3 sessions prior to my surgery and 1 session a week and a half after surgery. I shared my concerns of nausea, throwing up and other adverse reactions to anesthesia with the acupuncturist. A plan was made to balance my Qi, prepare my body for the stress of surgery and support the nausea points on my wrists. I also used sea bands and ear seeds to assist with the nausea points prior to surgery. So how did I do? I did amazing! This was the first surgery that I didn’t throw up, I woke up in the holding room with no pain and I was able to stop using all pain medications, including Tylenol, on Day 4. (I did have a pain pump on my stomach incision that lasted 5-6 days and I took a natural product called Arnica Montana for 10 days). I was able to start back to work at home on the computer on Day 6 for about an hour a day and I was able to go for walks. On day 10 I walked 1.9 miles. Please make sure you don’t overdo it. My surgeon said it was fine to walk as long as I felt up to it. There were also other supplements that I took after surgery to speed up healing and support my body such as Gotu Kola, Protease, PectaSol-C, additional Vitamin C and Zinc, etc. Again, it’s super important to have your Naturopath give a specific plan for you as everyone’s needs are different.

Hospital food is not known for nutrition or taste. I froze my meals ahead of time so I could eat my specific organic diet. The hospital was super accommodating and even supplied a refrigerator for my room. Since the staff had to heat up my food for me, I brought some gift cards to hand out as thank yous.

I would love to hear about your surgery experiences and other helpful tips!

DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURE:
This blog does not provide medical advice, nor is it a substitute for medical advice given from your Doctor. The information written about is from my personal experience and for general information.  My hope is that this will help you come up with questions for your discussions with your Oncologist, Naturopath, Integrative Doctor or other medical personnel.  Please use this as a catalyst to help you research further items discussed.

There are some links in my blog that are associated with affiliate links which means I may receive a small compensation for products I recommend.  Please note that I only link items that I personally use and love.