Elective surgery is a planned surgical procedure that is necessary, but is not urgent and therefore does not need to be taken care of immediately. An example could be a troublesome knee injury. You can still get around, but surgery will definitely be required to correct the problem. Any surgical procedure that’s not an emergency is considered to be elective surgery.
A major advantage you have when it comes to elective surgery is you know you’re going to need it by a certain date and it gives you time to plan and prepare for the surgery, as well as your recovery period.
Let’s look at some ways you can plan ahead for your elective surgery, so the process goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible.
#1 – Take Note Of the Pre-Surgery Instructions
Your doctor or surgeon will give you a list of criteria to fulfil right before the surgery takes place. Obviously, preparations prior to the surgery will vary depending on the procedure, so it’s not going to be the same approach for all surgeries.
For example, if you require general anaesthetic, it will be advised that you don’t eat or drink for a period of time leading up to the surgery. That’s just one example of pre-surgery preparations that you’ll be responsible for. You may even be asked to stop taking any medications you may be on.
It’s vital that you follow the instructions to the letter so you can experience the most positive outcome.
#2 – Take Care of Your Health and Fitness Leading Up To the Surgery
Any form of surgery is going to place stress on the body and mind. Surgery inflicts trauma on the body and you’ll need all the strength you can muster to recover from the procedure as quickly as possible so you can return to a normal, active life.
One way you can ensure a faster and more effective recovery is to be as fit and healthy as you can be in the lead up to your elective surgical procedure. Maintain a strict and balanced diet that is healthy. Refrain from excessive consumption of alcohol, drinking too much caffeine and, if you’re a smoker, try and quit or at least cut back on your tobacco intake.
If you have an issue that prevents you from being able to exercise in a normal fashion, there will undoubtedly still be some form of physical exercise you are capable of doing.
Being fit and healthy in the lead up to surgery will help to ensure a good outcome and speed up your recovery time post-surgery.
#3 – Figure Out How You’re Going To Pay for the Operation In Advance
Unless your surgery is covered by Medicare or you have health insurance that covers the bulk of your medical expenses, you’ll need to find a way to finance your elective surgery.
One of the best and quickest ways to come up with enough cash to cover your medical expenses is with a Medical Loan. Some lenders offer tailor-made Medical Loans while others will allow you to cover the cost of your surgery and other related expenses through applying for a Personal Loan.
In most instances, you can apply for Medical Loans online, which means you can do the application at any time from the comfort of home. This is even more important if your condition makes it difficult for you to get around.
If you don’t want to borrow the money from a bank or private lender, maybe you know someone who could lend you the money and you can repay them once you’ve recovered?
#4 – Organise Help Following Your Surgery
For starters, you’ll want to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital once you’ve been discharged. If you’re unable to do much for the first few days or weeks, you’ll also want to arrange some in-home assistance while you’re going through the recovery phase. It could be a relative, a friend or even someone you share the place with.
The Takeaway
The advantage of elective surgery is it gives you the time to make preparations, so be sure to organise everything you can including your finances before the date set for your elective surgery arrives.
