What to Consider Before a Foot Surgery

In an emergency, you may not always have time to prepare yourself physically or emotionally before a surgery. But when the operation is an elective procedure, such as a bunion surgery, you often have significant flexibility in terms of setting the date and time to get yourself ready for what’s coming.

Last week, we reviewed the kinds of considerations that go into deciding whether or not surgery is right for you. Let’s say you’ve considered your options and determined that surgery is the right choice. What else do you have to consider before your big day?

Here are a few things to think about in the weeks, days, and moments before surgery.

• Try to minimize disruptions to family or work obligations, if you can, when scheduling. We know—easier said than done. However, surgery may keep you off your feet for at least a few weeks, if not longer, so there’s wisdom in trying to time your surgery for when you have some PTO to use, or when life and work aren’t quite so busy.
• Line up at least one good helper/advocate for the days to weeks after surgery. Most likely, you’ll need some help with daily chores and activities at first. Having a spouse, parent, child, or close friend on hand or close by to help is a major asset and stress reliever.
• Make some accommodations around your house before your surgery. Move your sleeping quarters to somewhere on the ground floor. Take food, clothes, or other everyday items out of high shelves or cabinets and put them somewhere within easy reach. Move furniture and eliminate clutter so you have clear, obstacle-free walking routes everywhere you need to be.
• Follow your pre-operative instructions carefully and fully. Often, there will be restrictions about what you can eat or drink (and when), what you can and can’t wear, etc. These are not mere recommendations—failure to follow the guidelines could result in surgical complications, or even cancelation of the surgery.
• Ask questions. We want you to be as informed and prepared as possible, and are happy to talk with you about any questions or concerns you may have—about your condition, about your surgery, about your anesthesia, or anything else. We are here to help and want you to be as comfortable as you can be.

Please, feel free to call any time. To schedule an appointment with any of our specialists in Dallas or Plano, dial 972.566.7474 today.