A short video that I prepared to help you understand what happens on the day of surgery and for the short period after. I discuss some of the key elements about the surgery, the anaesthetic and post operative recovery. Whilst this is more general in nature, and we understand that all patients will recover differently, this video helps you to understand some of our focus points during the peri-operative period. Any questions, please comment on your YouTube comments page and I will try to include the answers here. Have a great day.
How does nutrition help with your recovery?
Current research confirms that the nutritional status of a patient can have huge effects on the speed of recovery. I liken this to training at the gym. It doesn’t matter how hard you train – if you have poor nutrition, you will never recover enough to make your muscles grow, or run faster times. Same thing with surgery – especially with Protein Content – if this is poor, it is difficult for your body to heal the bone, soft tissue and reduce inflammation. We are lucky to have been exposed to one of the first nutritional supplements specifically made for the peri-operative period. It acts to supplement (not replace) a good diet, and includes vital ingredients that have been shown to be beneficial in many people.
Why do I need to come in hours before the surgery time.
We ask that our patients attend the hospital between 2-4 hours prior to the estimated surgery time. We do this to give ample time to ensure that things are not missed, paperwork is confirmed, and there are no red flags in your presentation that might preclude you from surgery. This is an important step, and although the time seems to be long, it is a necessary part of the process, which gives us some wiggle room to ensure that any delays are minimised. You can help us here – if you are sick leading up to surgery, please let us know, as this will delay things even further if there are any aspects of your health that will stop you from having surgery safely on the day.
Why don't you publish specific physiotherapy instructions post op
Every patient has a different requirement. Some have a stronger musculature leading into surgery, and some patients are more sedentary. Either way – it is not beneficial to regulate exactly what your regimen should be. We would rather assess how you have gone in the immediate post operative period and then adjust from there. The is the best way of tailoring the rehabilitation for each patient. In general, we like to hold off on any formal physiotherapy after you leave hospital, for at least the first 2-3 weeks to allow your body to naturally recover without pushing too hard.
I am flying in from interstate or internationally for my surgery. What do I need to consider?
If you are flying in for the surgery, it is best to try to fly in the day before the day of your operation. This will ensure that you are well prepared, and that any delays to your travel arrangements do not impede your surgery. It is always nicer to have a night to collect your thoughts and prepare mentally for surgery.
After the operation, we have several options – you can stay in Adelaide until your post operative check 2-3 weeks after surgery, or you can fly straight home. You should be capable of flying without assistance on the plane, but keep in mind the distance from the drop off to the actual plane, and leave extra time. Remember, if you are discharging and then flying home directly, many airlines require a fitness to fly form. Each airline has their own forms, but if you wish to prepare, you can have the forms filled out and ready to go in anticipation. Forms for the usual airlines are found on these links: