About a year ago, I was running in the mountains barefoot, just as I have been doing for over 35 years; enjoying the feeling of the ground underfoot and being in tune with nature. As I was climbing boulders, one of the stones slid out from under me. Not only did I break my foot when I slipped, but I also ripped a tendon off the bone.
Luckily, I was with a friend who helped me walk the few miles out of the woods, to my car. When I arrived home to assess the damage, I knew that it was serious, but did not realize to what extent my foot had been injured. Little did I know, that I would soon undergo major surgery and be laid up in bed for weeks on end.
Are you, or someone you know, about to undergo surgery? With a little planning, you can help the healing process and this journey may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Here are a few points to consider and a list to help you prepare for your surgery.
If you *must* have surgery:
Lesson #1 - Get a second opinion
As much as possible, try to get a second opinion of a doctor that comes highly recommended by several people you trust. A good surgeon is hard to come by and it may mean the difference of a successful recovery, or having problems for the rest of your life.
My surgeon wisely advised me, "Don't have surgery unless you have no other option. However, if you do, be sure to find the best surgeon".
And even if your surgeon is fantastic, keep in mind the second insight my surgeon shared with me: "No matter what a doctor tells you, your body will never be the same after surgery as it was before your condition."
Lesson #2 - You are going to need help
Now is the time to ask your family and friends for help. Don't be afraid to let them know your challenges and how you will need help. You will quickly discover who will be there for you and support you. Also, surrounding yourself with positive people during your recovery will make the healing process much easier.
Just as important, is to avoid negative individuals during your healing process. In fact, on several different occasions, I even witnessed people fight with family members in the hospital right after their surgery and they ended up ripping their stiches and then had to go right back into surgery! Not exactly the best healing environment.
Lesson #3 - Obtain your medications early
Ask your doctor if you can pick up your medications a day or two before your surgery. This will allow you to go right home to bed, for much needed rest. You won't have to go to the pharmacy right after the surgery, fighting lines while you are still groggy from the anesthesia.
I told my doctor that it did not seem like a great idea to walk into the pharmacy on crutches right after foot surgery and wait in a long line. He agreed, so he called my prescription in the day before the surgery.
Lesson #4 - Healthy foods will help you heal better and faster.
Fill your refrigerator with healthy, organic foods that are easy to prepare. Make sure you have enough food for the first few days so you can focus on allowing your body to heal and not spending that valuable energy cooking or grocery shopping.
by Peter Shane
Perreault Magazine - 46 -