Research shows that people who take active measures to understand their medical treatment options enjoy better health outcomes. When it comes to undergoing surgery, proactive self-education will go a long way toward ensuring that you get the most out of the procedure. Do not let the abundance of information that’s out there overwhelm or frighten you. With patience and a bit of determination, you can find timely, valuable information on many topics relevant to your medical condition and the available treatment options. And remember: the most important participant on your healthcare team is you. You bear much of the responsibility for asking questions, weighing alternatives, and choosing a course of action. Only through active information gathering will you be in a position to make well-informed decisions regarding the nature of your care.

Because no surgery is risk free, it is vitally important to confer with your doctor about the specific benefits and drawbacks of a given surgical procedure. If you are at a loss for knowing the right questions to ask, don’t worry. Surgery is a rare occurrence in the lives of most people and uncertainty just happens to go with the territory. If necessary, write down a list of questions on a piece of paper and bring them with you the next time you visit your doctor. Questions you will probably want to know the answers to include: Why do I need this particular operation? What are the benefits? What are the risks? What will happen if I decline to undergo the surgery? Who will perform the operation? Where will it take place? Will I need anesthesia? How many times have you performed this type of operation before? How long will it take me to recover? What are the alternatives?

Many patients weighing the pros and cons of elective surgery find getting a second opinion from another doctor to be invaluable. Although it is entirely up to you to pursue a second opinion, if you are not entirely comfortable with the first doctor for some reason, or have lingering doubts as to the necessity of a proposed surgical procedure, a second opinion can put your options into considerably sharper focus. Second opinions are quite common in the field of medicine, so don’t feel as if you are doing something wrong or out of the ordinary by seeking the advice of another doctor. Getting a second opinion that confirms your first doctor’s diagnosis and surgical recommendation can be a major source of relief. On the other hand, a second doctor may be able to recommend a less-invasive, non-surgical approach that you might feel more comfortable with. Ask questions similar to those listed above and be sure to contact your health insurance provider to see if second opinions for your type of medical condition are covered.

In 2012, Reader’s Digest published an article titled “50 Secrets Your Surgeon Won’t Tell You.” It is worth reading particularly if you harbor any uncertainties about how, exactly, a potential surgical procedure will be handled. At the very least, the kernels of wisdom listed in this article suggest ways in which you can assert more control over your own care. Tips include asking your doctor about his or her complication rate; checking to see if your doctor is board-certified in his or her practice specialty; requesting the opportunity to speak to former patients; requesting information regarding who will care for you post-operatively; bringing a family member to all pre-operative appointments; and seriously inquiring about non-surgical options. Point is, when it comes to patient education, it is virtually impossible to have too much information.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgery.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgery. http://laserspine.net/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgery.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
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