Tips on How to Prepare for a Mastectomy
Mentally prepare for your mastectomy.
Having a mastectomy brings emotional and physical changes that you should be ready for. Do whatever you can to come to terms with your surgery and the changes that will come with it. There are plenty of ways to mentally prepare for big life changes like a mastectomy. You just have to be open to them.
Practice well-rounded, helpful, and hopeful thoughts. This is made easier with the help of forums and message boards for others who are going through the same thing. Seek advice from people in similar situations, and connect with them about your feelings and fears about the procedure. Look up positive stories and information on mastectomies, and use that information to prepare yourself for the big changes to come.
Your mastectomy can be a positive and life-saving experience. So, when the surgery date comes up, stay mentally sound and go in ready for a healthy post-mastectomy life.
Research your surgeon, hospital, and insurance benefits.
To alleviate as much stress as possible, be sure to have all of your information and research in order. Having a mastectomy is a big deal, so be sure to do research on which hospital, medical professionals, and surgeons you are interested in working with. Make sure that your hospital of choice is covered by your insurance, and be prepared in advance for anything not covered.
Find out every detail in advance, no matter how small. How many nights will your stay at the hospital be? How long does the surgical operation take? How many mastectomies have been performed by your medical team? The more you know in advance, the less stress you will go through before and after your procedure. Write a list of everything that you would like to know before going into surgery, and make sure to get all of those questions answered before committing to a certain hospital or medical team.
Grab recovery essentials.
Before your surgery date, make sure to have all of your recovery essentials ready to go. These range from medical products to help alleviate pain, and personal items that’ll make your recovery more comfortable and peaceful. Preparation is very important, and will only make your post-mastectomy life smoother and easier to navigate.
Do research on recovery items that will benefit you so you can get them in advance. When you get home from your mastectomy, you’re going to want to have to do the least amount of work possible. By putting together a bag or box of post-mastectomy essentials, you’ll save yourself time, stress, and pain.
The best way to start figuring out what you may need for your recovery is research. Research vendors that specialize in mastectomy care, and find advice on things you may want to have before surgery for your recovery.
Some things you may want to look into are wedge and neck pillows, front closure compression bras, comfy cotton camis and pajamas, and seatbelt pillow covers. It is also important to have all of your personal necessities ready to go, such as your phone charger, your favorite book, your go-to blanket, and anything else you know will make you more comfortable post-surgery.
Follow all pre-surgery instructions.
It’s very important to understand and follow all pre-surgical instructions given by your surgeon and medical team. A lot of surgeons, hospitals, and doctors do things differently than each other. Because of this, make sure you know and follow the specific and exact pre-surgery instructions from your medical team.
Some of these pre-surgical instructions might include:
Making sure you have a responsible person to take you to and from the procedure
Come in with comfortable clothing
Do not take aspirin or aspirin related medicines for ten days leading up to surgery
Do not eat or drink anything (even water) after 12am on the night before your surgery.
Follow what your doctors tell you. They are professionals and want to make this process as easy as possible for you.
A mastectomy can be one of the hardest experiences a woman goes through, but it doesn’t have to be. These steps can make preparation for the operation less stressful, the operation itself less dangerous, and the recovery go smoothly. You’re strong, and with your preparation, loved ones, and community, your mastectomy will never hold you back.
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