How To Prepare For Hammertoe Surgery

If a doctor has told you that you need hammer toe surgery, you may be feeling anxious about it. Surgery can be nerve-racking especially if you're not aware of everything you need to do to prepare for this situation. Preparation is key and this is what will help you feel more comfortable before going into surgery. Here are some tips that will help you to get prepared for your surgery.

Get Informed

The easiest way to make yourself as comfortable as possible before the surgery is to get informed. The more information you have about what will happen during the surgery, the more comfortable you will feel before the procedure is done. 

Make sure you ask your doctor any lingering questions that may be on your mind and also do your research on the internet to find out more.

Have a Designated Driver

Before you go into surgery you will be given anesthesia as well as pain medication. Once the surgery is finished, it will not all wear off completely, so you will need to have someone drive you home immediately after surgery. It is dangerous for you to drive home by yourself immediately after the procedure.

Avoid Blood Thinners

Before surgery, you need to make sure that you avoid any blood thinners. Blood thinners make it harder for your toe to heal after surgery. If you are taking aspirin you need to stop. Some herbal supplements can affect your blood and make it thinner as well. Inform your doctor of all the medications and supplements you are taking, so that they can inform you about what to do before your surgery.

Avoid Cosmetics

You will need to remove nail polish from your toes before surgery. The use of lotions should be avoided. If you like to wear toe rings you should remove them from the toe that will be operated on and any other toes on that foot as well to prevent interference during surgery.  Make sure you're wearing loose clothes on the day of the surgery as this can go a long way in ensuring that you are comfortable.

Preparing for hammertoe surgery is important. Surgery is not easy, and making sure that you have all the facts to make yourself as confident and comfortable as possible before going into surgery will make the process a lot easier. Fortunately, once you get informed and work with your doctor, you should have a successful surgery.


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