Preparing for Surgery
Before your surgery, Dr. Walpert, Dr. Patil, and Dr. Sankey will help prepare you physically and mentally. Your well-being during this process is our top priority, so let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We understand that undergoing surgery is a major leap and we will be there for you every step of the way.
One of the best preparations for surgery is educating yourself about all aspects of the process, including the exact details of the day of the surgery and the expected recovery time. You may also want to know about the degree of pain that you may experience and the various ways of managing this to improve your recovery time. At Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery we will ensure you receive all the necessary information to make you feel comfortable and confident about your surgery. It is our goal to make this procedure go as smoothly as possible-- your health and comfort are the most important factors in the operating room.
To prepare yourself physically prior to your surgery, we may suggest certain actions be taken to help your body undergo and recover from the procedure as easily as possible. This may include a weight loss regimen or an exercise program or a physical from your primary care physician. You should definitely stop smoking before and after the surgery, and you will need to stop taking over-the-counter medications, NSAIDs, herbal remedies or any other drugs or supplements that could interfere with anesthetics, medications or surgery.
As the date of your surgery approaches, you should begin preparing your home. Pack only essentials for your stay in the hospital and arrange for help with the care of your children, other family members, or any pets. Be sure to place regularly used items within reach, and be ready to take at least 8 to 12 weeks off work for full recovery time.