Optimizing Your Surgical Outcome
Teamwork
Welcome to the team. We want to do everything we can to get you ready for success. Whether your goal after surgery is to increase your mobility or decrease your pain, many factors contribute to this outcome. There is a collaboration between a patient and their surgical team, physical therapist, coaches, and trainers. Additionally, you will need to consider who will be your support squad once you are at home. Reliance of family, friends, drivers to appointments, or visiting nurses may be required. These supportive members of your healing are welcome at your appointments.
Dr. Cirino expects the best of his team. His strategy for success is carefully plotted and frequently assessed for improvement. Success after surgery does not happen by accident. Dr. Cirino asks his patients to hold a similar high standard when it comes to your preparation for surgery and your post-surgical rehabilitation.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition and a healthy diet is a modifiable factor you can control to optimize your health prior to surgery. A diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, healthy omega-3 fats, and a high protein diet can help aid in your recovery. Protein helps repair muscle damage and speed up healing. Immediately after surgery take food intake slow, starting with clear fluids and broths. If you can tolerate basic bland foods, you can graduate to a balanced diet with protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamin c, and iron. It is encouraged to increase your fluid intake.
If you have diabetes, it is critical to keep your blood sugar controlled. Increased glucose can increase infection and delay healing. Just prior to surgery your A1C will be measured, this provides evidence of how controlled your blood sugar has been in the past 3 months. Occasionally, surgery may have to be postponed due to this number being too high.
Abstaining from alcohol and nicotine are highly recommended. These substances reduce blood flow hindering delivery of nutrients and oxygen. If you use tobacco products, Dr. Cirino can prescribe an antibiotic that will help prevent infection during the first month of wound healing.
A high dose of supplemental Vitamin D will be prescribed for you to take after surgery. Vitamin D has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote bone and muscle growth.
Prehab
Dr. Cirino is frequently asked if there are any exercises that can be done prior to surgery to prepare the body for an easier rehab and recovery. Cardio and core strengthening are two ways to continue to be active with an upper extremity injury.
Prepare to use one arm for 6 weeks. If surgery is indicated on your dominant arm, practice in your sling prior to surgery to see what limitations it imposes. Start practicing tasks like brushing your teeth, putting on your shoes, and opening a door knob. Be cognizant of how being in a sling changes your balance and adjust your environment to decrease the risk of falling.
Sleep Hygiene
It is critical to get a sufficient amount of high-quality sleep. If you have neglected your sleep hygiene in the past, small changes can make a difference in your recovery. Restful sleep is difficult when you are uncomfortable or because you are in a sling. Taking pain relieving medication just prior to bedtime can make for a more comfortable sleep. Minimizing electronics, establishing a bedtime routine, and creating consistent sleep and wake times all promote a more restful sleep. 7-9 hours of sleep is recommended.
Mental Health
Your mental health affects your physical health. Expending energy on stress and anxiety can decrease the focus on your recovery. Practice relaxation, concentrate on positive thinking, visualize a successful outcome, and stay connected through social support. Deep, slow, intentional breathing will reduce your stress hormone production and make your body more optimized for surgery. On the day of surgery, you will be in a new environment and meet a few new members of your team. This may make you nervous. Practice your deep breathing and don’t forget your “happy place.”
Mental rehearsal and the power of visualization are used by elite athletes to achieve their physical goals. Dr. Cirino recommends you do this too. Play a mental highlight reel in your head preforming the activity you want to return to after your surgery. You can imagine brushing your hair, throwing a fast ball, picking up your grandkids, or swinging a tennis racket. Imagine your environment, along with the sights, sounds, and smells. Share this vision with Dr. Cirino so we aspire this goal.
