Questions to Ask Before Having Surgery
As we age, the risk of surgical complications increases. How do you know if the risks are worth the benefits?
To help you evaluate, ask your doctor ...
What’s the goal of this surgery? “How is this surgery going to make things better for me? How will it impact my daily life?” Will it help or could it make me worse? Should I go for a second opinion?”
If things go well, what can I expect?
“What is the best-case scenario for this surgery and my daily life afterward for the next several months?”
If things don’t go well in this surgery, what can I expect?
“What is the worst-case scenario and my daily life afterward?”
Given my health, age, and physical abilities, what’s the most likely outcome? “Can you give me a few scenarios?” Can you give me some statistics?”
What are the alternatives to surgery?
“Is watchful waiting’ a good option for me?” What if I don’t go forward with the surgery? Is there any other way to treat my problem without having surgery?
What can I do to prepare myself for surgery?
“How can I help decrease the risk of complications – in the hospital or at home during recovery?” What things can I do to help myself during my post-operative period?”
What will my recovery look like?
“What will I experience in the hospital? Will Rehab be needed? Will I need someone to help me with my activities of daily living? What equipment or supplies will I need at home?” Will I be able to climb stairs? Lift things? Will a recliner help me be more comfortable?
How will my pain be managed?
“Will I be on narcotics? What happens if I can’t take narcotics or over-the-counter pain meds? How long will the pain last? What activities do I need to curtail post- operatively? “
While expertise matters and you want a surgeon who has done lots of the surgery you’re facing, you should also inquire about the surgeon’s success rate is. How many of the surgeon’s patients developed post op wound infections? How many patients needed prolonged hospitalization related to complications? How many patients died from complications?”
Get a 2nd opinion – or even a 3rd opinion. Most health insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, will reimburse for a second opinion, and even a third, if the first two are different opinions. Ask the same questions to each doctor so you can compare. Bring a notebook to every health care visit. Write down all your concerns or questions so you don’t forget to share them with your health care provider. Be sure to write down the answers to your questions for future reference.
Bring an advocate with you to every consultation with a health care provider. That advocate can be a friend, family member or professional. An extra pair of ears will help ensure no detail is missed. It’s not unusual to be anxious when you go to the doctor. Or to be in pain. These emotional states can cause you to miss some of the conversation. Ask your advocate to take notes for you in the notebook you should provide them with. Write down all your questions in the notebook. You will be amazed by how much those notes will help you later.
Prepare for support after surgery. Everyone needs help after surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Write down the names of everyone who offered to help and their phone numbers and reach out to them. Alert family and friends about the surgery and tell them how you can use their prayers, help and support after your surgery.