Empower Yourself: Prepare for Surgery or Medical Procedure, and Heal Faste

[Gail Raborn]

Empower Yourself: Prepare for Surgery or Medical Procedure, and Heal Faster
by Gail Raborn

You have the power to positively influence the outcome of your surgery, medical procedure, and/or hospitalization. It starts with becoming not only an active member of your healing team, but the boss of it. Everyone works for you.

1. Get a second or even a third opinion of your diagnosis and treatment options. Be totally informed of your choices before you commit to a surgery or medical procedure, including chemo or radiation. Go online and do your own research.

2. Unless there’s a very good reason not to, choose the least invasive treatment possible. Don’t let someone talk you into a surgery or procedure you may not need.

3. Be careful about who you’re entrusting your health. Double-check your doctor’s record for complaints, their expertise with your health issue, and the safety and infection record of your hospital.

4. Sign your medical consent forms at least a few days before your procedure and double-check them for accuracy. It’s good to have a friend read them, as well. Mistakes happen. Remember: You have the right to change your mind and NOT go through your treatment or surgery, even at the last minute.

5. Tap into the healing power of your mind through hypnosis. A hypnotherapist can program your subconscious mind with healing suggestions to increase confidence, relieve anxiety, prevent complications, strengthen your immune system, reduce discomfort and bleeding, plus prevent side effects or complications. With your doctor’s help, they’ll address any special medical issues on recordings to use before, during and after your procedure.

6. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home. Facial piercings can be especially dangerous if aspirated during a medical procedure or surgery! Be safe.

7. Be sure your surgeon or doctor will be available immediately after your procedure and a few days following; find out who will be available if your doctor is out of town.

8. If you have food or drug allergies, double-check all food and meds given to you, before and after your procedure. If hospitalized, be sure all allergies are on your chart, a wristband, and written on a placard above your bed.

9. If hospitalized, have a friend with you for a few days. Some hospitals will allow them to sleep in your room, with prior arrangement

10. When hospitalized, keep your call button always near at hand! Attach it to the bed frame with a piece of tape or simply wind it around the frame.

11. Speak out before and after your procedure to ask for what you need, or to complain. Don’t let anyone bully or be rude to you, even a doctor. If this happens, report it immediately to the head of the nursing department or a Patient Advocate. Studies show outspoken patients heal faster than silent ones.

12. Ask someone on your medical team to repeat several times at the start of your procedure: “You will heal rapidly and well after your ________” Afterwards, ask them to repeat several times any special requests by your surgeon or doctor, like, “You will heal rapidly and well, free of nausea and pain”.

13. Get permission ahead of time to bring your cellphone or CD player with you to play calming music or your hypnosis recording during your procedure.

14. Be sure all medical staff, including your doctor, wash their hands and put on clean gloves before they touch you.

15. Know what pain control medication you’ll receive during and after your procedure. Make sure it’s one you’re not allergic to.

16. Do all you can to be in top physical condition before your medical procedure: eat wisely and exercise.

17. Find out what your insurance will pay before your procedure. Avoid nasty surprises!

18. Expect all to go well! Before and after your procedure, cultivate positive thoughts; if you're spiritual, talk to God and your Angels or pray. Picture yourself after your procedure, healthier than ever before, happy and content. If you can't, get professional help to do so! Your confidence is vital to heal rapidly and well.

Gail Raborn, Hypnotherapist/Psychotherapist: Contact me for help preparing for surgery, hospitalization, or medical procedure. After six surgeries, I know what I’m talking about. I work by phone, office in Santa Rosa, CA and through home visits. Call: (707) 827-3615 [email protected] www.telehealing.com