Are you a hospital NURSE? What is the BEST advice you can give someone going into major surgery?

I am going into surgery soon and I was wondering if I could get advice from nurses that deal with pre and post op patients.


What can I do, as a patient, to make things go smoothly, since most of my care will be done by nurses.Are you a hospital NURSE? What is the BEST advice you can give someone going into major surgery?
Mark your body part to be operated on with a black magic marker. Always check the any medications they give you against the chart. Be very polite and friendly to the staff.Are you a hospital NURSE? What is the BEST advice you can give someone going into major surgery?
I am a nurse. Worked in cardiothoracic surgery for several years





1. I totally agree with the notepad and pens for questions. Docs come in for about 5 minutes out of the whole day. You will never remember all your questions.





2. Many times, pain medications are written on an ';as needed'; basis meaning the nurse cannot legally just give you pain meds every 4 hours or whatever. It is up to YOU to ask for you pain medication when the the pain STARTS. You will have to rate your pain on a 1-10 scale. Ask for pain medicine when pain is a 3/10, not an 8/10. It is much harder to get pain under control when it gets higher.





3. Bring some books or laptop. You will get bored





4. WALK when they tell you too. It is for your health and so you don't get pneumonia.





5. Deep breathe and cough at least 10 times every hour right after surgery. Same pneumonia issue





6. Trust the nurses...we mean the best for you.





7. If you get nauseas, try putting an alcohol swab under your nose...I don't know why it works, but it does sometimes





8. Ask all kinds of questions at discharge so you don't get home and get confused. We don't mind





9. Tell your friends and family that you WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE for the first 3-5 days. Major surgery needs rest. Unplug the phones in the room and ask people to call a designated family member or friend for updates. I see WAY too many patients become completely exhausted because they will not say no to visitors. If you are ready to see people earlier, you can call them.





10. Stay calm. Anxiety will only make everything worse. If you find you are very anxious or have trouble sleeping, ask the doctors if they can prescribe you something just for the time you are in the hospital.





Good luck!
I agree with Diana. Be sure to ask questions if you're unsure or uncomfortable with something. Nurses are very caring, and often provide the reassurance when one needs it!





As a patient, I've had many nurses come in and sit beside my bed, simply providing comfort and understanding. That is worth a million $!
im not at this time but have been in nursing for years


ask alll the questions before hand,your fears,ect ect,,,,,


if you are worried about risk ask about it also


do you trust your doctor?


who will stay with you when you come home?


if you want to talk to your preacher do so


remember hardly anyone does on the table anymore
I have been in the hospital and surgery too many times. Take a notepad and pen. When you think of questions, write them down. When the Drs. come in things get so rushed. It's good to have it all written down.