Brain tumor surgery is a major event that can make you feel unsure, scared, or stressed. Whether you are having this surgery or helping someone who is, it might seem scary at first. But with some planning, you can feel more ready and in control of your tumor surgery in Lone Tree, CO.
Here are seven tips to help you prepare for brain tumor surgery and feel more confident.
Understanding Your Surgery
Brain tumor surgery is about taking out the tumor from the brain to help you feel better, stop more damage, and improve your life. It is a complicated surgery that needs a very skilled neurosurgeon.
Knowing what will happen can help you get ready mentally and emotionally.
Step 1: Meet Your Primary Care Doctor
One of the first steps in preparing for your surgery is to see your primary care doctor. This visit will include preoperative laboratory tests and a physical examination. It is crucial to have these done within 30 days of your brain tumor surgery.
Your doctor will check your overall health and ensure you are ready for the procedure. If you are under the care of other specialists, such as a cardiologist or pulmonologist, inform your neurosurgeon. Additional evaluations may be required.
Step 2: Complete Necessary Paperwork
Before your surgery, you will need to complete several important documents:
Surgical Informed Consent
This form ensures you understand the benefits, risks, and alternatives to your surgery.
Blood Transfusion Consent
Decide if you consent to or refuse blood transfusions during surgery. You can also discuss donating your own blood.
Advance Health Care Directive
This legal document allows you to appoint someone you trust to make healthcare decisions, especially related to brain tumor surgery, on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Bring a copy with you on the day of brain tumor surgery.
Having these documents ready can streamline the process and ensure your wishes are respected.
Step 3: Designate a Contact Person
Choose a family member or trusted friend to serve as your contact person, or “coach.” This person will support you throughout the preoperative phase, hospital stay, and recovery.
They should be present on the day you receive your final discharge information. Having a dedicated contact person ensures there is someone to help you understand medical instructions and provide emotional support.
Step 4: Manage Your Medications
Proper medication management is critical before surgery. Here is what you need to know:
- Blood-thinning medications should be stopped at least seven days before surgery.
- Diabetes medications may need adjustments. Consult your primary care doctor for specific instructions.
- High blood pressure medications should be taken as prescribed the day before but not on the day of surgery.
- Seizure medications should be taken with a sip of water on the day of surgery.
- Movement disorder medications (for Parkinson’s disease or dystonia) should not be taken after midnight the night before surgery.
Discuss any herbal medications, supplements, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with your neurosurgeon, as they can interfere with surgery.
Step 5: Special Skin Prep for Brain Tumor Surgery
To help prevent infections before brain tumor surgery, wash your body with a special soap called chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) for 5 to 7 days leading up to the procedure. If your surgery is sooner, use CHG on the days remaining. Avoid using CHG on your head, face, or private areas.
Step 6: Eating and Drinking Rules for Brain Tumor Surgery
Do not eat anything after midnight the night before your brain tumor surgery. You may consume a small amount of clear liquids like water or Gatorade until 5 am on the day of the procedure.
You can brush your teeth and rinse your mouth but do not swallow the water. These guidelines help keep your stomach empty and minimize the risk of complications during brain tumor surgery.
Step 7: Preparing Your Home for Recovery
Before your brain tumor surgery, make some changes at home to help you recover smoothly. Create a comfy spot where you can rest, ideally on the same floor where you usually hang out, so you don’t have to move around too much.
Keep things you need, like snacks, drinks, and medicine, close by. Set up a special area for any medical stuff you might use. Remove anything you could trip over, like loose rugs, and make sure there is good lighting to keep your recovery time safe.
Tumor Surgery in Lone Tree, CO
If you are looking for a “spine surgeon near me,” “a neurosurgeon near me,” or even a “spine surgeon in Aurora, CO,” visit us here at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery. We have a team of board-certified and highly trained neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons who specialize in treating brain tumors and other neurological conditions.
For more information about brain tumor surgery in Lone Tree, CO, or to schedule a consultation with our neurosurgeon, contact us today at (303) 790-1800 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
