Make sure to talk with your medical team about the following items that relate to your care pre- and post-surgery.
Pre-Procedure: Talk with your physician about:
- Current surgery: As the patient, do you understand the necessity of this surgery and its benefits to you?
- Past surgeries: Have you had surgery before? You should also include any history of a family member having problems with anesthesia.
- Allergies: Do you have negative reactions to food, medicines or latex?
- Lab tests and diagnostic results: Does your physician have these?
- Prescriptions: Are you currently taking a prescription or any over-the-counter medications (e.g. herbals or supplements)? Have you asked your physician to recommend a geriatric specialist to help you understand the potential interaction of your existing medications and those associated with the surgery?
- Neurocognitive disorders: Do you have any mental disorders your physician should know about? Has the physician conducted The Mini-Mental State Examination or a similar preoperative cognitive assessment?
- Mental health conditions: Do you suffer from depression? If so, has your physician recommended a psychiatrist for you to consult with before your surgery?
- Immune system: Do you have any immune disorders, hepatitis or excessive bleeding problems?
- Esophageal conditions: Do you have acid reflux or a chronic heartburn condition?
- Stomach problems: Do you have any ulcers or a history of eating disorders?
- Teeth: Do you have any loose teeth, dentures or bridgework?
- Heart disease: Have you ever had a heart attack, angina or chest pain, high blood pressure, or do you have a family history of any of these?
- Emphysema, asthma, apnea: Do you have any of these conditions or other lung or breathing problems? Do you smoke?
- Arthritis: Do you have any conditions that restrict your movement?
- Endocrine system disorders: Do you have diabetes or a thyroid condition?
- Concerns: Do you have any concerns or anxieties about the procedure?
- Primary caregiver after surgery: Who should the physician contact after the surgery is complete? Who should the anesthesiologist speak with about pain management after the procedure?
Post-Procedure: Ask your physician about:
- Side effects: Are any associated with this procedure? Am I at risk for experiencing delirium after my surgery? How can I best prevent delirium and how can my caregiver and I best cope with it?
- Recovery comfort: Is it possible for me to be placed in a hospital recovery room that has a window? May my caregiver bring personal photographs and a calendar to my hospital recovery room? After my surgery, who will make sure I have my hearing aid, glasses and dentures?
- Travel: Will I need to arrange for transportation after the procedure?
- Diet: What can I eat? Is there anything I should not eat?
- Emergency: Who do I contact in the case of an emergency?
- Medical check-in: If needed, can I arrange for a nurse to come daily to my house after the procedure?
- Medication: When should I take (or stop taking) any medication?
- Bandages: When should I change my bandages?
- Activities: When can I continue with my normal daily routine? How long should I wait before becoming mobile again?
- Appointment: Should I make a follow-up appointment with the physician? When?
- Can I expect to go home after surgery?
