Most folks are familiar with the various team members who make up today’s healthcare system, ranging from doctors and registered nurses to social workers and pharmacists, to mention a few. On the other hand, Surgeons are a distinct group within this community. To begin with, there are significantly fewer practicing general surgeons in the United States than other primary care physicians. Furthermore, and maybe more intriguingly, there is a particular mystique about what surgeons do. Not only do people presume that surgeons should only work behind closed doors, but also that the process is quite risky, making them appear unapproachable to the general public. For this reason, here are five things Dr. Atur Kasha wants you to know before you have your El Paso general surgery.
1. You Should Ask Questions
Whether in the emergency room or referred following a diagnosis, it can be intimidating to meet with a surgeon. You will be bombarded with information during what is likely to be a stressful moment for you or a dear one. Then, after your general surgeon shares all the details with you, they often ask you to raise any questions you have.
Not surprisingly, questions can be difficult to come up with as you try to comprehend everything. Please understand that this is perfectly OK. Dr. Kasha advises patients to get a notebook and put down all their queries as they arise, whether at home, before, or after Surgery. That way, during your second consultation, you can raise your questions and receive the answers you have been seeking.
2. Second Opinions Are Valuable, But ‘Dr. Google’ Should Not Be One
More often than not, once patients obtain a diagnosis or a general surgeons’ referral, they immediately go online to seek information. Understand that your general surgeon wants you to know everything there is to know about your disease, the operation you will have, and your care alternatives.
Whereas the internet could be a valuable source of general information, a genuine second opinion on your specific care should come from a second surgeon. You want the guidance of somebody board certified in their practice following intense training and practice.
3. Your Surgery Begins Even Before You Enter The Surgical Room
It is essential to care for yourself before your surgeon even cuts. Your general health, activity tolerance, smoking status, diet, and weight all directly impact the success of your surgery and the likelihood of complications. Therefore, quit smoking, exercise, and practice healthy eating and weight control.
4. Complications Do Occur, But It Is Crucial To Realize That They Are Not Necessarily The Result Of Somebody’s “Fault”
Even when everything is done correctly, complications such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, unexpected bleeding, and wound infections might occur. Being proactive is one of the finest ways to handle any problems you might have. Inquire with your surgeon about the possible complications of your surgery and how they might manage them. Understanding your risks will assist you in confronting any worries you may have. Besides, rest assured, in the event of a mishap, your surgeon probably already has a strategy in place.
5. Pain Is Unavoidable
Simply put, you will experience pain, especially following surgery, regardless of what pain medicine you use to alleviate discomfort. The primary goal of your post-surgery pain management is to reduce the pain; hence, making it tolerable but not totally eliminating it. As a result, this allows you to do simple routine activities with ease.
For the best in general surgery care for vascular conditions, look no further than Desert West Vein & Surgery Center. Remember that, like you, your surgeon desires the surgery to be a success. Consider yourself and your surgeon as a team. Thus, you should communicate effectively with them, set reasonable expectations of the procedure, and mentally and physically ready yourself for surgery. All of these factors play a role in the success of your procedure. Call the El Paso, TX office or use the online scheduling tool to make an appointment with Dr. Kasha today.
